May 17, 2023

Duties

The mission of the Division of Physics (PHY) is to enable fundamental research and education across the intellectual frontiers of the field. Programs in eight subareas support research that covers a broad spectrum of energy, time, and distance scales. PHY seeks a deep understanding of processes that describe the formation and current structure of the cosmos, from elementary particles to gravitational waves, the behavior of matter at all energies where quantum effects dominate, the physical description of the living world, and the structure of atomic and molecular entities that shape and control the everyday world that we live in. PHY also supports the development of new tools and techniques needed to expand and refine our understanding within these many areas - from particle accelerators to probe physics at the energy frontier, to femtosecond lasers to probe and control atomic and molecular systems, to LIGO, a new window on the universe. The knowledge gained through basic research will ultimately have broad impact on other fields of science and on the health, economic strength, and defense of society, while the research activity itself will contribute to the formation of the Nation's advanced high-tech workforce.

The Division Director leads a team of program officers in managing a broad portfolio of investments in physics research and education. The incumbent has managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of Division staff and resources in meeting organizational goals and objectives. This includes directing the activities of the Division, assessing the needs and trends in research and education related to the Division's programs, implementing overall strategic planning, and policy setting. The Division Director supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior level PHY staff (Deputy Division Director and the Senior Advisor), PHY program officers, administrative and support personnel. The Division Director determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations, and represents NSF to relevant external groups. The Division Director fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations, and the academic community.

This job is offered as either an Senior Executive Service or IPA appointment. Please refer to the announcements for more details. 

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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