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About NSF Rotator Positions
NSF offers a rare opportunity for scientists, engineers, and educators to join us as temporary program directors - called rotators. Rotators make recommendations about which proposals to fund; influence new directions in the fields of science, engineering, and education; support cutting-edge interdisciplinary research; and mentor junior research members. 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 program director, you can retain your ties to your current institution and return to it with new insights and experience for your team.
You can become a rotator either as a Visiting Scientist, Engineer, and Educator (VSEE) or as an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignee. While rotators can come on temporary assignment under the IPA program for up to four years, most rotating assignments last one to two years.
What are my main responsibilities as a program director?
Program directors oversee the National Science Foundation’s “gold standard” merit review process and may help define new funding opportunities. Key responsibilities include interacting with potential principal investigators, forming and facilitating merit review panels, and recommending funding decisions. Program directors have the opportunity to be involved with a broad spectrum of national scientific programs and initiatives that ultimately increase intellectual awareness and enhance professional growth.
MOVING TO THE AREA
Can NSF provide my spouse with a guaranteed job at NSF?
Spouses can apply for open positions at NSF, but NSF cannot guarantee placement for them. NSF maintains membership with the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (http://www.midatlanticherc.org), which helps dual career couples seeking employment in higher education.
What type of assistance does NSF provide to rotators to help locate housing when they relocate to Arlington, VA?
NSF cannot offer direct service in locating housing for its rotators. NSF does provide housing information and local county information on its Web site at http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/local.jsp.
CONTINUING AS A ROTATOR
May I continue my research while at NSF?
NSF has an Independent Research/Development (IR/D) program that permits individuals with approved IR/D plans to maintain involvement with their professional research. IR/D plans might include time, travel expenses, and research costs, and must be approved in advance (typically annually) by the supervisor and the human resources and legal staffs.
Can I submit a proposal for NSF funds as a rotator?
You can only submit a proposal for NSF funds if it is a continuation or extension of previously funded NSF work. Certain other restrictions may apply.
While I am at NSF as a rotator, can I apply for funding from other Federal agencies?
You can apply for funding from other Federal agencies if those agencies permit; however, NSF does place some restrictions on such funding. If you wish to pursue such funding, contact your NSF Conflict of Interest Official for further guidance.
After I leave my rotator position, how long do I have to wait to apply for NSF funding?
You can apply the very next day as the principal investigator, as long as you assign a substitute negotiator for 1 year.
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