This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
This position is open for a Rotational IPA assignment/Temporary Federal Rotation. Please see the “Additional Information” section for further information. Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the “Additional Information” section for further information.
Duties
NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the agency’s overall mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education that contribute to the nation’s technical strength, security, and welfare. To fulfill 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.
This Program Director position is in the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) in the Division of Translational Impacts (TI). This division’s programs accelerate the translation of research results into practice. Programs aligned to this focus provide pathways for researchers, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs to move their ideas from the laboratory to the market and society. The incumbent will be responsible for Programs within TI Sections: Small Business and Translational Programs.
The incumbents’ skills and expertise are critical in planning and implementing agency goals and
objectives designed to facilitate the high-technology small business community’s access to the federal R&D effort. The work is vital to developing and implementing quality, broad-base small business research, development, and commercialization programs in the Foundation. The incumbent represents the Foundation on technical and administrative matters as well as the implementation of public laws promulgating the programs.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PROPOSAL REVIEW AND MANAGEMENT
- Carry out timely, high-quality merit review processes with an appropriate participation of qualified reviewers.
- Convene peer-review panels and/or seek ad hoc reviewers to provide substantive guidance on proposal merit. Provide clear expectations to reviewers to ensure substantive reviewer comments and adherence to NSF merit review criteria and any solicitation-specific review criteria.
- Ensure the transparency, quality, consistency, and integrity of the review process. This includes carefully documenting all conflicts of interest per guidance from the Divisional and/or Directorate Conflict Officers and OGC.
- Increase the size and quality of the reviewer pool and ensure broad participation in the review process across demographic groups including women, minorities, veterans, as well as individuals with disabilities, from EPSCoR states, at all career stages, and from underserved institutions (e.g., minority serving institutions, 2- and 4-year schools), etc. As appropriate, include reviewers with relevant commercial / translational experience.
- Complete most work by established deadlines; in the absence of additional NSF guidance, meet the NSF GPRA goal of processing 75% of proposals through DD Concur within 6 months of proposal receipt or funding opportunity deadline (whichever is later).
- Prepare review analyses that are well reasoned and well documented to justify award and declination recommendations, taking into consideration reviewer inputs, as required. For potential awards, conduct appropriate due diligence prior to recommendation.
- Ensure all necessary approvals (e.g., IRB, IUCUC, environmental clearance, etc.) are included in award recommendations, working in consultation with NSF experts, as needed. Include decisional rationale in PO Comments as required by the PAPPG.
PROGRAM PERFORMANCE
- Participate in the development of program plans and funding opportunities that increase and maintain the breadth of NSF science, engineering, and education investments. Seek the creation of a broad portfolio within the program that responds to a diverse set of national challenges to seed, accelerate, and sustain the growth of robust, equitable, and inclusive innovation ecosystems across the country.
- Remain cognizant of other funding opportunities or programs within NSF, other agencies, or international entities. Interface with Program Directors with diverse areas of expertise, working effectively and collaboratively as a member of cross directorate teams as needed.
- Provide effective post-award oversight of awards (including scientific, administrative, and fiscal oversight) using reports, site visits, Committees of Visitors, PI meetings, and other assessment and evaluation methods, as appropriate. Review annual and final reports in a timely manner.
- Solicit and collect research highlights/success stories for use by the Division, Directorate, and OLPA.
- Actively participate in the assessment and evaluation of the portfolio/program/division using both formal and informal mechanisms.
- Plan and allocate resources within the available budget. Avoid duplication of funding and seek opportunities to leverage funding, when and where appropriate.
- Report waste, fraud, and abuse in a timely manner.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
Requires an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure OGE-450
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a STEM field plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
The best candidate for this position will be familiar with and have experience in partnerships between government organizations, industry, nonprofits, and public organizations to under-take proof-of concept work and in creating sustainable university-based innovation ecosystems.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary
The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option:
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.
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 are applicable for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.
Salary: The salary noted above is based on the rate of pay for Federal Program Directors. The IPA assignment salary is based on the current salary at the IPA’s home institution.
This is a rotator position.
NSF offers a chance for scientists, engineers, and educators to join us as temporary detailees – called rotators. As a rotator, you will be in a prime position to collaborate with others and increase your visibility as you survey the entire breadth of U.S. and international science, engineering, and education in real time. In addition, as a temporary detailee, you can retain your ties to your current institution and return to it with new insights and experience for your team.
Learn more about rotator programs at NSF
It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions
Applications will be accepted from U.S. 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 not be considered eligible. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
Only applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
- Benefits HelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position.
Required Documents
All applicants must submit a resume in any format and may also submit a cover letter.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to upload a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your application materials. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
– Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
– As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under “Required Documents” and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
– If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
