January 4, 2012

Division of Materials Research (DMR), Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Employment Opportunity

The Division of Materials Research (DMR) announces a nationwide search for senior-level researchers to serve as Program Directors. Formal consideration of interested applications will begin January 31 and will continue until selections are made. While we are interested in a variety of experts that span the Division's multidisciplinary scope, we anticipate four specific areas of need, with the following desired start dates:

• Condensed Matter and Materials Theory (Fall 2012) requires an individual with broad expertise and demonstrated experience in theoretical and computational materials research, particularly in soft matter. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the physical sciences or a closely-related field, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
• Condensed Matter Physics (Spring or Summer 2012) requires an individual with broad expertise and demonstrated experience in the fundamental physics behind phenomena exhibited by condensed matter systems. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the physical sciences or a closely-related field, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
• Biomaterials (Fall 2012) requires an individual with broad expertise and demonstrated experience in materials research related to materials of biological origin, synthetic materials intended for applications in biological systems, materials that mimic or are inspired by biological materials, and the processes through which biological materials are produced in nature. Additional expertise in interdisciplinary research areas at the interface between the biological/life and the materials/physical sciences is also desired. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the chemical, materials, or physical sciences or a closely-related field, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
• Electronic and Photonic Materials (Fall 2012) requires an individual with broad expertise and demonstrated experience in basic materials research related to electronics and photonics. Program focus is on identification and understanding of fundamental atomic and molecular level mechanisms and phenomena associated with synthesis and processing of electronic and photonic materials. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the materials or physical sciences or a closely-related field, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

For additional information about the above programs, please see www.nsf.gov/materials.
Applicants must be familiar with a broad spectrum of the materials research community, as well as with the issues being addressed in the field. Applicants with accomplishments in the integration of research and education and with multidisciplinary experience and interest are desired. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to work effectively both as individual within the specific NSF program and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams. The incumbent must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.
The position may be filled with one of the following appointment alternatives:

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/rotators/.

How to Apply: Applicants should indicate within their cover letter and subject line of the email, which Program they are applying to. Please submit a curriculum vitae to dmr-recruit@nsf.gov.

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