DATE: August 22, 2012

The Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems announces a nationwide search for senior-level researchers to serve as Program Directors. Formal consideration of interested applications will begin August 31 and will continue until selections are made. While disciplinary expertise will be expected for the program director, the focus of the search is to assemble a scholarly, open-minded, diverse and intellectually integrated group to join the present team in sharing the Engineering Directorate's responsibilities within NSF's overall mission: to promote the progress of science, to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, to secure the national defense. The Division currently has three specific areas of need:

Catalysis and Biocatalysis program has many potential directions for funding support. Programs in this area encompass a blend of fundamental and innovative applied research drivers. All programs are hypothesis-driven, and the experimental programs aimed at resolving the issues frequently combine a variety of approaches. Chemical engineering and chemistry are intertwined. Proposals which receive funding in this Program may include any number of the following broad scopes: Catalyst Synthesis, Characterization, Behavior and Performance; Kinetics and Mechanisms of Key Catalytic Reactions; Catalysis at Surfaces or in Reactor Process Streams; Synthesis and Fabrication of Component Materials and Catalyst Composites; Modeling and Fundamental Studies of a Catalyst or Catalytic Process; and Catalysts and Studies for Renewable Energy Systems. Approximate Start Date: September 2012

Fluid Dynamics program supports fundamental research and education on mechanisms and phenomena governing fluid flow. Proposed research should contribute to basic understanding; thus enabling the better design; predictability; efficiency; and control of systems that involve fluids. Encouraged are proposals that address innovative uses of fluids in materials development; manufacturing; biotechnology; nanotechnology; clinical diagnostics and drug delivery; sensor development and integration; energy and the environment. Approximate Start Date: January 2013

Biomedical Engineering program provides opportunities to develop novel ideas into discovery-level and transformative projects that integrate engineering and life science principles in solving biomedical problems that serve humanity in the long-term. The Biomedical Engineering (BME) program supports fundamental research in Neural Engineering and Cellular Biomechanics. Approximate Start Date: September 2013

For additional information about the above programs, please see the Division's website: https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=CBET.

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 in the area of this program, 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 the program. 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 the program 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 https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/index.jsp.

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.

Should you or your colleagues be interested in one of these positions, 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