Date: October 23, 2012

The Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) announces a nationwide search to fill the Program Director position for the Mechanics of Materials (MOM) program. National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Directors are in charge of specific research areas. They solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations and administer awards. They are also responsible for interaction with other Federal agencies, forming and guiding interagency collaborations, and for service to Foundation-wide activities.

Formal consideration of interested applications will begin October 30, 2012 and will continue until a selection is made.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation's overall mission to support innovative and merit-evaluated activities in fundamental research and education that contribute to the nation's technological strength, security and welfare. The positions require a commitment to high standards of intellectualism and ethical conduct, a considerable breadth of interest, receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

Persons wishing to apply for this position are referred to the Divisional web page, https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=CMMI, for a description of the program. These persons are also encouraged to contact the current Program Director, who is identified on the program web page, for more information.

Qualifications of a successful candidate 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. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to function effectively both as an 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 under one of the following appointment alternatives:

Visiting Scientist, Engineer or Educator (VSEE) Appointment - A VSEE appointment 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 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 one year and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.

Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Appointment - Under an IPA appointment, a candidate's home institution receives a grant to cover the appointee's salary and benefits, and the candidate remains an employee of his/her home institution while performing duties at NSF. Persons 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 years.

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 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 visit: https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens. Due to a recent change in Federal Appropriations Law, only Non-Citizens who are permanent US residents and actively seeking citizenship can be considered for Federal appointments (i.e., Visiting Scientists, Engineers and Educators (VSEE) program, Temporary Excepted Service). Therefore, you are required to provide documentation that confirms you are actively seeking citizenship at the time you submit your application. Non-citizens who do not provide documentation will be considered only for the IPA program.

Applicants should indicate in their cover letter that they are applying to the MOM program. Please submit your application to:

CMMI Program Director Search Committee
Dr. George A. Hazelrigg
Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
Directorate for Engineering
National Science Foundation
Arlington, VA 22230

Applications also will be received electronically. Please make electronic submissions to ghazelri@nsf.gov

 

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