NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
4201 WILSON BOULEVARD
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22230

 

The National Science Foundation
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences

 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent agency of the United States Government. Its vision is to enable the nation's future through discovery, learning and innovation. In pursuit of this vision, NSF invests in (1) DISCOVERY by supporting research that will advance the frontiers of knowledge and establish the nation as a leader in transformational science; (2) LEARNING to cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive science and engineering workforce and scientifically literate citizenry; (3) RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE by building the nation’s research capacity with critical investments in advanced instruments, tools and facilities; and (4) STEWARDSHIP by cultivating a capable and responsive organization that promotes excellence in science and engineering research and education. All of these goals work together in concert. The Foundation seeks to realize these goals using four core values: vision, dedication to excellence, broad inclusiveness, and accountability to the research community and the taxpayer.

The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) is one of seven NSF directorates. MPS employs approximately 150 staff and administers a budget of approximately $1.7 billion, including nearly $500 million in one-time funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The directorate is organized into five divisions: Astronomical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics; as well as the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities. The Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) supports the forefront of research in ground-based astronomy, including the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities. The Chemistry Division (CHE) advances the health of academic chemistry, enabling basic research and education in the chemical sciences. The Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports new discoveries about matter and materials, with a focus on addressing fundamental materials questions that transcend traditional scientific and engineering disciplines. The Division of Mathematical Sciences (DMS) promotes the development and exploration of mathematical structures. The Physics Division (PHY) enables fundamental research across the frontier of physics, emphasizing research that broadly impacts other fields of science and society. The Office of Multidisciplinary Activities (OMA) works in partnership with the five MPS divisions to facilitate research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (AD/MPS) serves as a key member of NSF's senior management and policy team and provides leadership and direction to the MPS directorate’s programs and initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for planning and implementing programs, priorities, and policy within the framework of statutory and National Science Board authority. NSF seeks a candidate with outstanding leadership abilities; a deep sense of scholarship; a grasp of the issues facing the mathematical and physical science communities in the areas of education and research; and a commitment to the goals and strategies of the National Science Foundation.