Duties

This position is located within the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES). NCSES is designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as one of thirteen principal statistical agencies within the federal government, and has as its prime objective the development of both statistical data and analytical information on the U.S. science and engineering enterprise, including research and development; the science and engineering workforce; U.S. competitiveness in science, engineering, technology, and R&D; and the condition and progress of STEM education in the U.S.

The Statistical Advisor takes a lead role in high-level interagency efforts, prepares analyses related to statistical, survey methodological, data quality, and data protection that will provide a basis for major decisions in priority setting, Center and program planning, internal management, and for translating decisions into effective budgetary and operational activities.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Statistical Advisor assists the NCSES Chief Statistician in a) the formulation of the Center's statistical, survey methodological, data quality, and data protection goals, objectives, and priorities; b) the integration of priorities into effective strategies and programs; c) the implementation of program planning, implementation, and evaluation procedures; and d) oversight of programmatic activities in NCSES as needed. Many of the Center's activities have significant interagency dimensions across the federal statistical system and the broader federal government in terms of information collection and analysis as well as programmatic development and operations.

The major duties of the position are:

• Develop analyses, advice, and recommendations on issues facing NCSES, with major attention to their statistical, survey methodological, data quality, and data protection aspects.
• Collaborate with the NCSES Director, NCSES Deputy Director, NCSES Chief Statistician, and other senior NCSES officials to facilitate the Center's interagency planning and coordination, and to develop goals, strategic plans, short-term and long-term program initiatives, budgets, and operating plans.
• Analyze and integrate statistical, methodological, or data-related input and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy (ICSP), the Congress, and other agencies and organizations into the Center's plans, and work with appropriate staff to formulate and assess major budget and program initiatives.
• Coordinate and monitor activities that assess the overall effectiveness of the Center's research portfolios and ensure performance measures are examined annually and reconfigured for maximum effectiveness. Establish procedures and processes to monitor organizational goals and objectives.
• Design, coordinate, and oversee programmatic initiatives and activities housed in the NCSES Chief Statistician's area of supervision.
• Represent NCSES on senior level policy and planning bodies, in the technical areas including, but not limited to statistical, survey methodological, data quality, and data protection, such as NSF-wide task groups, OMB-initiated interagency efforts, private and public bodies both foreign and domestic, and working committees.
• Provide critical analyses for use by NCSES and NSF executives in presentations, hearings, and congressional testimony, and ensure that materials properly reflect the Center's priorities.
• Lead and implement activities that increase the visibility, relevance, and usefulness of NCSES products within NSF; the federal statistical system; the academic community; the media; the science and engineering enterprise; federal, state, and local government; and the public.
• Identify areas in which it would be in NCSES's best interest to accomplish the functions of this position through grants, contracts, purchase orders, or interagency agreements. As necessary, obtain and maintain a Contractor Officer Representative (COR) certification, oversee awards, and manage projects under contract in conformance with NCSES, NSF, and federal procurement regulations and policy.

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 included 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 Statistics, Mathematics or a Social Science, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics or a Social Science, plus after award of the degree, eight 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.