November 15, 2016

Dear Colleagues:

The Directorate for Biology (BIO), at the National Science Foundation announces a nationwide search for Program Directors to serve on a rotating (temporary) basis in the following Divisions:

1. Biological Infrastructure (DBI): DBI empowers biological discovery by supporting the development and enhancement of biological resources, human capital, and centers. These investments underpin advances in all areas of biological research. https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=DBI


2. Environmental Biology (DEB): DEB supports fundamental research on populations, species, communities, and ecosystems. https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?org=DEB


3. Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS): IOS supports research aimed at improving our understanding of organisms as integrated units of biological organization. https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=IOS


4. Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB): MCB supports fundamental research and related activities designed to promote understanding of complex living systems at the molecular, subcellular, and cellular levels. https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=MCB

Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin immediately upon receipt of the first application and will continue until selections are made.

Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. In support of that, Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies that may lead to development of interagency collaborations. Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations, administer awards, and undertake interaction with research communities in these fields. They are also responsible for service to Foundation-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: 1) Transform the Frontiers of Science and Engineering, 2) Stimulate Innovation and Address Societal Needs through Research and Education, and 3) Excel as a Federal Science Agency. The position requires 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.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent training in a field of the biology, a broad knowledge of one of the relevant disciplinary areas of the Biological Sciences, a knowledge of the general scientific community, skill in written communication and preparation of technical reports, an ability to communicate orally, and at least six years of successful independent research normally expected of the academic rank of associate professor or higher. Some administrative experience and experience working in teams are desirable. Appointees are expected to function effectively both within specific programs and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams. Skills in multidisciplinary research are highly desirable.

Program Director positions recruited under this announcement may be filled under one of the following appointment options:

Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: 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. For additional information regarding IPA positions, please visit the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/ipa.jsp.

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 institutions 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 institutions 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/careers/ and https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/microsite/.

Applications will be 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 for IPA only. We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.

NSF is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. In late summer of 2017, NSF will begin the transition from its current location in Arlington, Virginia to 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. The new location is adjacent to a Metro station (Eisenhower Avenue on the Yellow Line) and there is ample parking in the area. There are several amenities nearby, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Should you or your colleagues be interested in this position, or wish to nominate suitable candidates, please email a current CV accompanied by a cover letter highlighting the background that specifically relates to the program objectives to:

Sincerely,

Maria Sutton
Office of the Assistant Director
Directorate for Biological Sciences
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 605
Arlington, Virginia 22230
Phone: 703 292-8400
Fax: 703 292-9154
msutton@nsf.gov

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