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Dear Colleague Letter - Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE), Program Director
January 16, 2009
Dear Colleague:
The Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) announces a nationwide search for a number of Program Director positions at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Appointments will usually be made for one year and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.
DUE manages a range of grant programs that constitute a comprehensive approach to improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at two- and four-year colleges and universities. These programs support the development of innovative educational materials, courses, curricula, pedagogical techniques, teacher enhancement projects and assessment instruments and methods; the acquisition of modern laboratory instrumentation and equipment; professional development for faculty; and scholarships for students. DUE’s programs and other leadership efforts focus not only on promoting high-quality college-level STEM education but also on strengthening the diversity of students and faculty and fostering collaboration. Additional information about the division and its programs can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?div=DUE.
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. Discharging 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. Experience as a reviewer and/or principal investigator is a real advantage.
The division is seeking individuals who will work towards our STEM education and research goals and become a part of our working team to enhance undergraduate education for the nation. We seek Program Directors with expertise in a variety of STEM disciplines for appointments beginning in summer 2009. We welcome all experienced professional in the STEM areas and are especially interested in the following disciplines:
- Computer science
- Biology
- Engineering
- Math
- Geosciences
It is anticipated that Program Directors will be needed for appointments beginning in summer 2009.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in the relevant STEM discipline, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. Candidates must be knowledgeable about undergraduate education in STEM in order to participate in planning programs to improve undergraduate education. In addition, candidates must have sufficient teaching experience to determine whether a proposed project is likely to meet the needs of students and faculty. Also desirable are knowledge of the general scientific community and strong skills in written and oral communication. All appointees are expected to function effectively both within specific programs and as part of a team, contributing to and coordinating with offices throughout the Foundation and with other Federal and state government agencies and private sector organizations.
Program Director positions recruited under this announcement may be filled under one of the following appointment options:
- 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 appointed to NSF’s 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.
- 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. The individual remains an employee of the home institution, and NSF provides funding toward the assignee’s salary and benefits.
- 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.
For additional information about NSF’s rotational programs, please see “ROTATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND EDUCATORS”on the NSF website at http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps.
Individuals interested in applying for a Program Director position should send a current CV and statement of interest to:
Dr. Karen Kashmanian Oates, Deputy Division Director
Division of Undergraduate Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 835
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: 703-292-8670
Fax: 703-292-9015
E-mail: due-jobs@nsf.gov
NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.
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