Date: August 30, 2006

Dear Colleague:

As some of you may already know, I became Division Director for Chemistry (CHE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) effective August 15, 2006. This will be an interesting new challenge for me that will involve considerable effort and dedication. To be effective, I will need the help and support from my program officers and colleagues in CHE at the NSF and also from all of you, the Chemistry Community, in order to implement new ideas and take new directions. One of the most effective ways in which the Community can help the NSF to perform its mission optimally is by serving as program officers at the NSF near Washington, DC. I would like to motivate and encourage you to become a rotator to help the Foundation with your knowledge and wisdom. These are very important positions that require the best qualified individuals so please consider the possibility very seriously, as it can be a very interesting and rewarding personal opportunity for you with important implications and consequences for our discipline. Please help us to make a difference.

We announce a nationwide search for a number of Program Officer positions at the National Science Foundation. NSF Program Officers bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency's overall mission: to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education that contribute to the nation’s technical strength, security, and welfare. To discharge this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity. Qualification requirements include a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in chemistry or allied disciplines, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration and/or substantial managerial experience in academe, industry, or government. Also desirable is knowledge of the general scientific community, skill in written communication and preparation of technical reports, an ability to communicate orally, and several years of successful independent research of the kind normally expected of the academic rank of associate professor or higher. All appointees are expected to function effectively both within specific programs, as well as in a team mode, contributing to and coordinating with organizations in the Directorate, across the Foundation, and with other Federal and State government agencies and private-sector organizations. Chemistry research and education areas supported by the Division include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, environmental and chemistry education. We are especially interested in all aspects of cyberinfrastructure and cyber discovery in chemistry.  Periodic assignments to leadership of interdivisional, inter-directorate and interagency programs may be made. We are particularly interested in attracting women and underrepresented minority candidates to these positions.

Program Officer positions recruited under this announcement may be filled under one of the following appointment options:

• Visiting Scientist Appointment. Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Visiting Scientists are on non-paid leave status from their home institution and appointed to NSF’s payroll as Federal employees. NSF withholds Social Security taxes and pays the home institution’s contributions to maintain retirement and fringe benefits (i.e., health benefits and life insurance), either directly to the home institution or to the carrier.

• Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment. Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides funding toward the assignee’s salary and benefits.

• Temporary Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, life insurance) are applicable for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.

For additional information on NSF’s rotational programs, please see “Programs for Scientists, Engineers and Educators” on the NSF website at http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/.

Applications and questions concerning Program Director positions should be directed to:

Dr. Luis Echegoyen, Director
Division of Chemistry
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1055
Arlington, Virginia 22230
Phone: 703/292- 4960
Fax: 703/292-9037
echegoyen@nsf.gov

 

NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.