Duties

The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) coordinates the investment of almost $1.5 billion annually for research and education projects in the mathematical and physical sciences and related areas. Through a staff of approximately 180 in five divisions and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities, it provides program support in astronomical sciences, chemistry, materials science, mathematical sciences, and physics. MPS also oversees the management of many (more than one dozen) Mid-Scale and Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) scale multi-user facilities. This position performs a variety of scientific and program analysis and support assignments for the OAD, particularly in areas related to the support and operations of mid-scale and major science facilities though their full life cycle at NSF. Projects may involve supporting the review of facilities plans, analysis of budget trends, portfolio analysis across Divisions, resource utilization at the MPS level, and analysis of future impacts on MPS resources.

The incumbent applies analytical techniques and information management skills to capture, assemble and disseminate information for assigned projects. The incumbent provides coordination for development of documentation and plans, conducts analyses, performs quality control, coordinates activities, and provides advice to management in the following areas:

Scientific Analytical Support and Advice: Serves as an analytical resource for Assistant Director, Deputy Assistant Director, and Senior Advisor for Facilities for a broad variety of projects and analyses. Actively participates in management meetings held to make decisions with regard to modifying or initiating scientific programs or projects. Collects pertinent statistical data and narrative information from a variety of sources within and outside NSF. Applies various analytical techniques in order to identify patterns and trends. Develops tracking and reporting systems to monitor activities to ensure that activities meet established guidelines and schedules. The incumbent proactively makes scientifically technical suggestions for possible alternatives or options management may consider.

Support MPS Oversight of Major and Mid-Scale Facilities: Works with the MPS Senior Advisor for Facilities to ensure appropriate levels of oversight for multi-user facilities, including tracking reports, active issues, pertinent details of cooperative agreements, and reviews. Supports internal review of documentation by MPS Senior Management and participates in evaluation and feedback to Divisions and Program Directors.

Preparation of Directorate Facilities Budget Documentation: Provides assistance to the Deputy Assistant Director, Senior Advisor for Facilities and Directorate Operations Officer in planning and preparation of the MPS budget, with a focus on the facilities and MREFC project sections. Provides analysis of historical trends in support of budget preparation and review, as well as projections of future trends for planning facilities operations and maintenance and analysis of the potential impacts of those projections on the broader MPS budget.

Preparation of Facilities Packages: Provides critical analyses and assists in the development of DRB packages, NSB packages, and NSB presentations as needed. Provides guidance to ensure that the packages meet the high standards of quality in both content and structure, while also providing input on the strategic view of projects within the overall MPS science and facilities portfolio. In addition, will provide coordination and guidance on the response to critiques from Director's Review Board (DRB) and National Science Board (NSB).

Communication & Coordination with MPS Divisions: Works with MPS Division Directors and Program Directors on facilities and projects to assess common needs and to make recommendations on how to best implement common policies and procedures to ensure compliance with NSF policies while optimizing outcomes.

Communication & Coordination with other NSF Directorates and Offices: Supports the OAD Senior Management in interactions with other Directorates and Offices, providing analysis as needed as well as material requested by the Large Facility Office (LFO), Budget Division (BD), Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA), Office of the Director (OD), and NSB and its various committees including the Committee on Awards and Facilities. Assists the OAD in preparing materials for presentations and outreach, coordinating with OLPA and other entities both internally and externally. Supports the MPS Communications team with facility-specific information and activities.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

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 ( Foreign Talent Definitions ). 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.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement, subject to such exceptions as required by law. This policy applies to all NSF staff, to include employees, Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignees, Visiting Scientists, Engineers, and Educators (VSEEs), as well as fellows and interns. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 22, 2021 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or on-boarding with the agency, if after November 22. Upon selection, NSF will provide additional information regarding what documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. 

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

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.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Mathematical or Physical Sciences, Engineering, or related research oriented field; OR a Master's degree in Mathematical or Physical Sciences, Engineering, or research oriented field plus after award of the degree, two or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds

This announcement is open to (All US Citizens OR current NSF employees) who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.

Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.

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

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.

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