Duties

Summary

This position is located in any Division in the Directorate of Biological Sciences. The Directorate for Biological Sciences supports research to advance understanding of the principles and mechanisms governing life. Research studies extend across systems that encompass biological molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems up to and including the global biosphere.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The incumbent works collaboratively with others to perform tasks in support of Division Management and Program Directors and ensures that the function meets the scientific objectives and goals of the Division and the Directorate. The incumbent serves as the key scientific support person in the Division, responsible for the portfolio analysis of the Division's Investments in biological research and education. Specifically:

PROGRAM ANALYSIS AND REPORTING:

Serves as an analytical resource for scientific attributes of the Directorate portfolio and answers questions about how to access critical program data and analytical information. Develops, maintains, and updates program databases, (e.g., reviewer database, outreach/site visit database, facilities database), including the assignment of scientific attributes, such as expertise of the reviewers and outcomes of outreach and site visits.

Gathers raw data from multiple scientific sources, such as literature databases and scientific databases in order to design queries; and analyzes and presents findings to management for analysis of scientific and infrastructure trends and business process improvement.

Prepares analytical, comparative and statistical reports of program activities and scientific accomplishments in biological and related sciences, including analysis and reporting of scientific impacts of the Directorate investments.

Conducts program analysis of the different areas of biosciences supported by the Directorate. Drafts routine analyses, reports and presentations for other staff review and use.

MERIT REVIEW:

Works with other staff to organize and oversee the proposal review process and on the classification of scientific areas in each portfolio.

Responds to routine or complex inquiries from principal investigators/reviewers related to programmatic issues requiring professional scientific knowledge and judgment about research policy.

Manages technical preparation for Advisory Committee and Committee of Visitors meetings (e.g., data collection, data analysis, preparation of portfolio analyses in scientific areas of strategic importance).

OUTREACH AND COORDINATION:

Identifies outreach needs from the research community and works with other staff to develop outreach plans, and interfaces with other Divisions/Directorates to plan and coordinate outreach/site visit activities.

Oversees the coordination of logistical support for outreach activities and workshops; and drafts technical materials related to NSF supported research activities for presentations, tutorials, workshops, training, and poster sessions.

May represent NSF by staffing booths at workshops and conferences, answering questions and providing information.

BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT:

Works collaboratively with other team members to restructure work process, standardize procedures, and implement changes for organizations supported.

Evaluates the effectiveness of administrative procedures and the consistency of their contributions to the accomplishment of organization/program goals and objectives.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

Plans, develops, coordinates, organizes, implements, communicates, and tracks project plans, guidelines, procedures and timetables, including recommending changes in policy and management activities for these projects.

Performs management studies to evaluate and measure the progress and success of projects assigned to identify and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cross-directorate programs and activities.

Collects pertinent statistical data and narrative information from a variety of sources within and outside NSF.

Participates in management meetings held to make decisions with regard to modifying or initiating programs or projects.

Competencies:

• Program Analysis and Reporting
• Policy Implementation and Organization Performance
• Customer Service and Communication
• Teamwork
• Project Management and Special Activities

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
• US citizenship.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date.

You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

1. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

AND

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level in the federal service to qualify for this position. Examples of specialized experience include providing scientific and analytical support for merit review and award management and oversight processes; preparing analytical and statistical reports of program activities and scientific accomplishments in biological sciences; and scientific and technical analysis, documentation, and writing in support of reports and presentations regarding the biological research portfolios.

OR

3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree

OR

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field of study.

OR

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in #1 above, plus appropriate specialized experience or additional education.

Education

You must meet the minimum education requirements as described in "Qualifications."

Additional information

Relocation Expenses will not be paid.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):
ICTAP and CTAP provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP or CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP or CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified you must meet the following: OPM qualification requirements for the position, all selective factors, where applicable; special OPM approved qualifying conditions for the position; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate, to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and receives a rating of at least "Very Good" on the questionnaire. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information regarding ICTAP or CTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources

Veteran's Preference:
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation as specified on the SF-15.

NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.

For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide .

This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Ratings will be assigned based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.

Review your resume and responses carefully. Responses that are not fully supported by the information in your application package may result in adjustments to your score. A Human Resources Representative will validate the qualifications of those candidates eligible to be referred to the selecting official.

Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." At NSF, this means a score of 90.0 or higher.

In the merit promotion selection process, formal performance appraisals may be considered if voluntarily submitted by the applicant.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

If you are an NSF employee on or eligible for a permanent, competitive service position or you are an NSF employee who is reinstatement eligible based on prior Federal permanent, competitive service, you need not submit documents to confirm status. All applicants are required to provide a resume, in any format they choose. Cover letters are optional.

If you are not an NSF employee as described above, but you are eligible under merit promotion , under an Interchange Agreements , under a non-competitive authority , or under a similar authority , you will be required to submit supporting documentation. This will typically require the submission of one or more of the following documents:

1. Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50s) or comparable federal agency forms to verify your eligibility for reinstatement and/or grade/step/salary if you are a current or former permanent federal civil service employee.
• SF-50 must indicate that appointment is/was to a competitive service position with permanent tenure or conditional tenure within the last three years; OR, to a similar position in the excepted service at an agency that has an Interchange Agreement.
• An example of a comparable agency form is a personnel action from a DOD Non-appropriated Fund organization or from the US Postal Service for a current and continuing appointment without a break in service.
• Documents that are NOT comparable and NOT acceptable substitutes for a SF-50 include a SF-52, a Performance Appraisal form, a Personnel Action Request (PAR), or a Request for Personnel Action (RPA).

2. Performance appraisals and awards may be considered during the evaluation process if voluntarily submitted.

3. DD-214 (Member-4 copy); and if applicable, the Department of Veterans Affairs Notice of Compensable Disability Rating from applicants requesting consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA), Veteran Recruitment Act (VRA), or the disabled veterans appointing authority.

4. Schedule A Certification - from applicants requesting consideration under the Schedule A appointing authority for disabled applicants.

5. Other - Documentation which verifies you are eligible to be appointed to a permanent position in the federal competitive civil service.

If you are requesting consideration under a Special Hiring Authority listed below, you must submit the required documentation as outlined in the regulation or Executive Order. Please also annotate your application to reflect that you are applying under a special hiring authority. If you are requesting consideration under a Special Hiring Authority not listed below, please email eRecruit@nsf.gov or reach out to the point of contact listed on the vacancy announcement.

• Returned Peace Corp Volunteers
• Certain Military Spouses (Executive Order 13473)
• Former Overseas Employees
• Foreign Service Employees
• Career Service Employees
• Postal Rate Commission Employees
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employees
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employees

If you are requesting special employment consideration under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) or
CTAP, you must submit documentation provided by your current or former employing agency verifying your eligibility for that program. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing your position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

You must submit proof of meeting the basic education requirement described in the QUALIFICATIONS paragraph. Therefore, you should submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met. OR If qualifying based on education, you must submit TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial copies are acceptable) or a DIPLOMA that verifies that the requirement is met.

All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.