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.

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

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 graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree

OR

PhD 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.

Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category.

The information contained in your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you meet the competencies required of this position. Please ensure you answer all questions accurately. Your responses are subject to verification. In support of your responses provided in the Occupational Questionnaire, your resume should include verbiage that describes your experience relative to the position for which you are applying and provide examples that show the depth of knowledge, level of skill, or degree of ability you possess. If your application does not support your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire or your application is not complete, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration. In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.

Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or CTAP must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." In NSF categories, this means at least "Very Good" with a score of 90.

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

All applicants should submit a resume/CV of their choice, and may also submit a cover letter.

Additional Documents, if applicable, may include:

Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214 and SF-15): If you are eligible and claiming 5-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your "member copy 4 version" DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veteran's preference, you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" and the documentation required by the SF-15. (Please note: An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing veterans' preference will not be accepted as proof of entitlement.)

CTAP/ICTAP Documentation: If you are applying under CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility under 5 CFR 330.602(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. 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.

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

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.