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June 15, 2015

The Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) announces a nationwide search for temporary Program Directors at the National Science Foundation. Formal consideration of applications will begin July 15, 2015 and will continue until selections are made.

DRL invests in projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM learning for people of all ages. Its mission includes promoting innovative research, development, and evaluation of learning and teaching across all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines by advancing cutting-edge knowledge and practices in both formal and informal learning settings. DRL also promotes the broadening and deepening of capacity and impact in the educational sciences by encouraging the participation of scientists, engineers and educators from the range of disciplines represented at NSF. Therefore, DRL's role in the larger context of Federal support for education research and evaluation is to be a catalyst for change – advancing theory, method, measurement, development, and application in STEM education.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency's overall mission – to support innovative and merit-reviewed projects that contribute to the nation's technical strength, security and welfare. To discharge this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate STEM and education fields, 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.

We are seeking Program Directors with expertise in the following areas, in the context of research on learning:

• Science and Science Policy
• Science of Evaluation
• Implementation Research

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in an appropriate field plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience in one of the following areas:

Research in a field relevant to the position, such as education or learning research in any STEM field, evaluation, statistics or measurement, or any of the behavioral, cognitive, or social sciences bases of STEM learning. Ideal candidates bring strong methodological and/or theoretical expertise.

Formal education focused on improving STEM learning through the design, development, and study of innovative learning materials, instructional methods, learning assessment, teacher preparation and professional development programs, or STEM education methodologies.

STEM education outside of formal school environments or in informal education research, evaluation, or practice requiring extensive knowledge of settings such as museum exhibits, large format film/radio/TV production, cyber learning, or community youth/family programming.

The position may be filled with 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 visit: https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/.

Applications accepted from US Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will be considered as an IPA only.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should indicate which program they are applying to within the cover letter and subject line of the email. Please submit a current CV and statement of interest to drlrecruit@nsf.gov or more information about these openings, you may send an inquiry to drlrecruit@nsf.gov.

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