Division of Chemistry (CHE) Program Officers Employment Opportunities
Date: August 30, 2006
Dear Colleague:
As some of you may already know, I became Division Director for
Chemistry (CHE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) effective
August 15, 2006. This will be an interesting new challenge for
me that will involve considerable effort and dedication. To be
effective, I will need the help and support from my program officers
and colleagues in CHE at the NSF and also from all of you, the
Chemistry Community, in order to implement new ideas and take new
directions. One of the most effective ways in which the Community
can help the NSF to perform its mission optimally is by serving
as program officers at the NSF near Washington, DC. I would like
to motivate and encourage you to become a rotator to help the Foundation
with your knowledge and wisdom. These are very important positions
that require the best qualified individuals so please consider
the possibility very seriously, as it can be a very interesting
and rewarding personal opportunity for you with important implications
and consequences for our discipline. Please help us to make a difference.
We announce a nationwide search for a number of Program Officer
positions at the National Science Foundation. NSF Program Officers
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 discharge 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. Qualification
requirements include a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience
in chemistry or allied disciplines, plus six or more years of successful
research, research administration and/or substantial managerial
experience in academe, industry, or government. Also desirable
is knowledge of the general scientific community, skill in written
communication and preparation of technical reports, an ability
to communicate orally, and several years of successful independent
research of the kind normally expected of the academic rank of
associate professor or higher. All appointees are expected to function
effectively both within specific programs, as well as in a team
mode, contributing to and coordinating with organizations in the
Directorate, across the Foundation, and with other Federal and
State government agencies and private-sector organizations. Chemistry
research and education areas supported by the Division include
organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical
chemistry, materials chemistry, environmental and chemistry education.
We are especially interested in all aspects of cyberinfrastructure
and cyber discovery in chemistry. Periodic assignments to
leadership of interdivisional, inter-directorate and interagency
programs may be made. We are particularly interested in attracting
women and underrepresented minority candidates to these positions.
Program Officer 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. 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 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, 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 http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/.
Applications and questions concerning Program Director positions
should be directed to:
Dr. Luis Echegoyen, Director
Division of Chemistry
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1055
Arlington, Virginia 22230
Phone: 703/292- 4960
Fax: 703/292-9037
echegoyen@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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