Candidate Search - Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (AD/MPS)

Dear Colleague:

We are initiating a national search for the National Science Foundation’s Assistant Director for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) and seek your assistance in the identification of candidates. Dr. Tony Chan has served in this position with great distinction since October 2006.

The Assistant Director, MPS, leads a Directorate comprised of five divisions: Astronomical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics; as well as the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities. Enclosed is an information sheet that summarizes the Directorate's activities and the responsibilities of the position, together with the criteria that will be used in the search. Employment may be on a temporary or permanent basis in the Federal Service or by temporary assignment under provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act.

We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Witherell, Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of California at Santa Barbara, has agreed to head the search committee. We seek your help in identifying candidates with the following qualifications: outstanding leadership; 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 the ability to serve effectively as a key member of the NSF management team. We are especially interested in identifying women, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities for consideration. Recommendations of individuals from any sector - academic, industry, or government - are welcome.

Please send your recommendations, including any supporting information that you can provide, to the AD/MPS Search Committee via e-mail (mpssrch@lists.nsf.gov) or at the following address: National Science Foundation, Office of the Director, Suite 1205, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. We would appreciate receiving your recommendations by June 19, 2009.

Your assistance in this very important task is appreciated.

                                   Sincerely,

                                   <signed>                              <signed>

                                  Arden L. Bement, Jr.              Cora B. Marrett
                                  Director                                Acting Deputy Director

Enclosures

[Search Committee Review Criteria]

[Overview of the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences]

[PDF version of Letter and Enclosures]

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