February 24, 2017

Dear Colleague:

The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR), within the Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation, announces a nationwide search to fill a Program Director position for the Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology program.

Formal consideration of interested applications will begin February 28, 2017 and will continue until a selection is made.

Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology supports innovative research that addresses the deep-time sedimentary crust and advances our understanding of environmental and evolutionary change. The program seeks to fund projects that focus on: (1) the changing aspects of life, ecology, environments, and biogeography in geologic time based on fossil organisms and/or sedimentological data; (2) all aspects of the Earth's sedimentary lithosphere – insights into the geological processes and rich organic and inorganic resources locked in rock sequences; (3) the science of dating and measuring the sequence of events and rates of geological processes as manifested in Earth's deep-time (pre-Holocene) sedimentary and biological (fossil) record; and (4) the geologic record of the production, transportation, and deposition of modern and ancient physical and chemical sediments. In addition, the SGP Program participates in the review of proposals for related GEO Directorate research programs, collaborations with BIO directorate research programs, NSF wide initiatives, and collaborative research programs with other Federal agencies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Director are guided by the goals of NSF's Strategic Plan: (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 incumbent Program Director will be knowledgeable in the scientific areas covered by the program and will help identify emerging opportunities in the Geosciences.

The responsibilities of the Program Director will include long-range planning for the areas of science represented by the program; administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations; preparation of material describing advances in the research supported; and coordination with other NSF programs as well as those at other Federal agencies and organizations. In addition, the incumbent will be involved in the design, development, analysis, documentation, management and implementation of programs and activities within the program and across disciplinary boundaries.

More information about EAR may be found at https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=ear.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology in addition to six or more years of successful research experience, research administration, and/or substantial managerial experience in academe, industry, or government after award of the Ph.D.

The Program Director positions recruited under this announcement may only be filled under the 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 IPA assignments are made for a period of one-year and may be extended by mutual agreement.

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/.

We 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.

The January 23, 2017, Presidential Memorandum, entitled "Hiring Freeze," ordered government agencies (including the National Science Foundation) to freeze all hiring of Federal civilian employees. In an effort to ensure NSF is best positioned to resume hiring after the hiring freeze expires and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issues its plan to reduce the size of the Federal Government's workforce, NSF will continue its recruitment efforts (post job vacancy announcements, evaluate and screen applicants, interview, etc.). NO EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED UNTIL RESOLUTION OF THE HIRING FREEZE, or the position qualifies for a hiring exemption pursuant to OMB guidance. Individuals appointed as IPAs on a detail to NSF are exempted from the Hiring Freeze. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this process.

Individuals interested in applying for this Program director position should send a current CV and letter of interest to:

Dr. Carol Frost
Division Director
Division of Earth Sciences, Suite 785
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
Email: cfrost@nsf.gov

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