NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
 4201 WILSON BOULEVARD
 ARLINGTON, VA 22230

 Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings
 Program Director Positions
 Employment Opportunities-Dear Colleague Letter



 November 1, 2006

 Dear Colleague:

 The Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal
 Settings (DRL) announces a nationwide search for a number of
 Program Director positions at the National Science Foundation
 (NSF).  This is a new Division that combines staff and programs
 previously under the Division of Research, Evaluation, and
 Communication (REC) and the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and
 Informal Education (ESIE).  Appointments will usually be made for
 one year and may be extended for an additional year by mutual
 agreement.

 NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying
 out the Agency's overall mission: to support innovative and
 merit-reviewed projects in the 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 (science, technology,
 engineering, mathematics (STEM), and STEM education) but also a
 commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest in
 and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good
 judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

 Successful candidates will be expected to work with other staff in
 the division in managing some of the following programs:  Research
 and Evaluation on Education in Science and Engineering (REESE),
 Advanced Learning Technologies (ALT), Faculty Early Career
 Development (CAREER), Discovery Research K-12 (DR-K12), Informal
 Science Education (ISE), Advanced Technological Education (ATE),
 and Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers
 (ITEST).  They will also be expected to work closely with staff in
 other directorates on cross-cutting programs of importance to the
 mission of the Agency.

 Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience, and six or
 more years of successful experience of at least one of the
 following kinds:

 *research or research management experience in a field relevant to
 the position, such as STEM education research, biological science,
 social science, behavioral science, cognitive science, physical
 science, the learning sciences, technology, engineering,
 mathematics, statistics, or measurement.

 *informal science education experience entailing extensive
 knowledge of interactive educational exhibit development/management
 aimed at public audiences, large film/radio/TV production,
 web-based/virtual environments, or community youth/family
 programming.

 *formal education experiences (K-12) requiring extensive knowledge
 of relevant research on learning and teacher education, or
 knowledge of instructional materials development.

 Program Director 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.  Appointments are usually made for up to one year and
      may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.

    * 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.   The individual remains an employee of the home
      institution, and NSF provides funding toward the
      assignee's salary and benefits.  Initial IPA assignments
      are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual
      agreement.

    * 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 about NSF's rotational programs,
 please see "ROTATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND
 EDUCATORS" on the NSF website at
 http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps.

 Individuals interested in applying for a Program Director position
 should send a current CV and statement of interest to:

  Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings
  E-mail: drlrecruit@nsf.gov



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