DATE: January 9, 2012

The Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET) Employment Opportunities for Program Director - Dear Colleague Letter

The Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET), within the Directorate for Engineering at the National Science Foundation (NSF), announces a nationwide search for an engineering professional to fill the following position:

Program Director: Biosensing Program

Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin January 30, 2012, with an approximate beginning appointment date of September 2012.

While disciplinary expertise will be expected for the program director, the focus of the search is to locate a scholarly, open-minded, diverse and intellectually integrated individual to join the present team in sharing The Engineering Directorate's responsibilities within NSF's overall mission: to promote the progress of science and engineering; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Biosensing Program supports innovative, transformative and insightful investigations of original technologies with broad long term impact and applications that require novel use of bio-inspired engineering principles and sophisticated approaches to meet the engineering and technology needs of the nation. The program is targeting research in the areas of the monitoring, identification and/or quantification of biological and biomedical phenomena. In contrast to NIH programs in biosensing supporting development of point-of-care diagnostic systems or applied medical technologies,this Program supports the development of fundamental knowledge and technologies that exist at the intersection of engineering, life science and information technology. Projects submitted to the Program must advance both engineering and life sciences.The candidate may also serve on working groups for special NSF initiatives and working groups related to the program activities.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency's overall mission. 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 the relevant discipline, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration and/or substantial managerial experience in academe, industry, or government. Appointees are expected to have significant and relevant knowledge of research related to biosensing. 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 or full professor. Research accomplishments on topics related to biosensing are highly desirable. All appointees are expected to function effectively both within specific programs and 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 as necessary. Such responsibilities can include serving on committees developing new administrative approaches and implementing new focused research activities.

Periodic appointments to leadership of interdivisional, inter-directorate and interagency programs may be made. NSF is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a highly qualified staff that reflects the diversity of our nation. Program Director positions recruited under this announcement may be filled by one of the following appointment options:

Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment (IPA) Act: 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 the negotiated 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.

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 placed on the NSF payroll. 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 a one-year period and may be extended for an additional year 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 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, and 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: https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/.

Should you or your colleagues be interested in this position, or wish to nominate suitable candidates, please email a current CV accompanied by a cover letter that highlights the background that specifically relates to the program objectives to:

Dr. Robert Wellek, Search Committee Coordinator, Deputy Division Director
Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems (CBET)
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 565
Arlington, Virginia 22230
Phone: (703) 292-8320 | Fax: (703) 292-9054 | e-mail: rwellek@nsf.gov

 

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