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December 22, 2016

Dear Colleague:

The Directorate for Engineering, Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships (IIP) at the National Science Foundation (NSF), announce a nationwide search to fill a Program Director position for the Industry University Cooperative Research Centers program.

Formal consideration of applications will begin on December 27, 2016 and will continue until a selection is 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. The position requires extensive travel to IUCRC planning and Industry Advisory Board meetings.

The NSF Industry University Cooperative Research Centers program promotes research partnerships between academia and their industry and government counterparts. The goal is to establish centers to conduct research that is of interest and relevance to both the industry and the university with the provision that the industry must provide major support to the center at all times. The centers rely primarily on the involvement of graduate students in their research projects, thus developing students who are knowledgeable in industrially relevant research. The NSF IUCRC program provides the means to leverage research and development (R&D) investments with multi-university centers renowned for their innovative research capabilities.

Persons wishing to apply for this position are referred to the IIP Divisional web page, https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=iip, for a description of the Division; and to the webpage https://www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/iucrc, for a description of the IUCRC program.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Qualifications of a successful candidate include a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in a relevant engineering or science discipline, plus after the award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration and or/substantial managerial experience in academe, industry, or government. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to serve as an effective program manager and provide oversight for the centers in the IUCRC program.

The position may be filled with 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/rotators/ipa.jsp.

Visiting Scientist, Engineer or Educator (VSEE) Appointment: A VSEE appointment 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 as Federal employees. 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 one year 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 status 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. 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.

Applicants wishing to apply competitively for the Federal Temporary Appointment should see Job Announcement IIP-2017-0002 at http://www.USAJobs.gov.

Applicants should send a copy of their CV and a cover letter explaining the reasons they are interested in the position. This letter should describe how their experiences fit with the position of IUCRC program officer (referencing the CV), why this position would be of mutual benefit to NSF and to their institutions (as appropriate), and how they foresee this assignment benefiting their careers. It is preferred that application materials and questions be sent to the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships via email to mkonjevo@nsf.gov with "IUCRC Program Director" in the subject line. Paper applications may also be sent to:

IUCRC Program Director Search Committee
Mary Konjevoda
National Science Foundation
Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships - Room 590
Arlington, VA 22230

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