Staff Associate

Summary The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for a Staff Associate position within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) in Alexandria, VA. For more information on MPS please click here. Responsibilities This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Director (OAD), Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS). MPS is a complex directorate with five divisions encompassing the fields of astronomical sciences, chemistry, materials research, mathematical sciences, and physics, plus the Office of Strategic Initiatives. The five disciplinary areas represent the core intellectual foundation of science and engineering and, as a consequence, have connections to almost every other activity at NSF. The Directorate has responsibilities that range from its critical investment in the support of creative individuals and their students to the management of complex facilities and instrumentation that push the frontiers of science and engineering. Major Duties and Responsibilities The Staff Associate in OAD/MPS will demonstrate leadership in the following duties and responsibilities: Participate in meetings, conferences, activities, and professional societies; keeping leadership apprised of current issues, the needs of the communities NSF serve, and current management initiatives. Engage in ongoing outreach, interagency coordination, and strategic planning on behalf of the Assistant Director (AD) and the Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) and representing the Directorate in internal and external activities. Serve as an advisor to AD, DAD, and division leadership, using their knowledge of current management and operational issues that could impact NSF practices, policies, and mission through participation in relevant internal and external activities. Represent the Directorate and NSF, as appropriate, on internal committees and interagency committees at meetings of other Federal agencies, professional organizations, and universities on behalf of the AD and DAD; will contribute/support the NSF Office of the Director and its work across organization boundaries and in partnerships that support the Foundations statutory mission and new directions stemming from strategic planning undertaken by NSF senior management. Serve as Program Officer for the OSI program, working closely with the Head of OSI. The Staff Associate will oversee the review of proposals for programs that cross all divisions in MPS, coordinate co-funding efforts between OSI and divisions both inside and outside MPS, and make funding recommendations to the Head of OSI on awards that OSI has agreed to contribute to. Serve as a member of the MPS OAD Scientific Staff, with explicit focus on science drivers for the Directorate, including participating as an active member in relevant internal and external activities, task forces, working groups and providing advice and draft recommendations and reports based on the outcomes of such meetings. Maintain currency with NSF, NSB, NSTC and Presidential initiatives relevant to MPS, MPS programs and the Foundation. Organize and oversee the MPS Advisory Committee (AC) and its meetings, as well as oversee the work of the ACs subcommittees, including Committees of Visitors for all MPS Divisions, as needed. Support OAD by handling and reviewing, as necessary, solicitations, Dear Colleague Letters, and interagency memoranda of understanding sent to OAD for scientific content and relevant to stated Directorate and Foundation-wide goals. Oversee the approval process of interagency memoranda of understanding from MPS in DRS. Handle MPS reconsideration requests on behalf of the AD and coordinate assistance to reconsideration requests from other directorates/offices. Contribute to directorate-level support of the Office of the Director and its work across organizational boundaries and partnerships that support the Foundations statutory mission and new directions stemming from strategic planning undertaken by NSF senior management. Partner with directorate-level leadership to develop innovative and effective strategies that support the organizations mission and accomplish goals identified in the NSF strategic plan. Works as a team member and communicates effectively in areas of directorate-level responsibility. Special tasks might include preparing reports or responding to Congressional inquiries, Office of Inspector General inquiries, proposal reconsiderations, etc., developing and delivering speeches, presentations, and white papers for NSF and government-wide efforts. 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. This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403. The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation. Qualifications Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a Physical Science, Engineering or Mathematics plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. Incumbent must be able to communicate and interact, on a peer basis, with senior science, engineering, and managerial personnel throughout the Foundation, in other agencies, and in the general science and engineering community. He/she is expected to know and diplomatically express the views and the goals of the Assistant Director in all contacts – both within and outside – the National Science Foundation. He/She must have outstanding oral and written communications skills, and the capacity to deal on a priority basis with a variety of materials or changing venues, often under tight deadlines. Education Please refer to the Qualifications section. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, please also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency. Additional Information Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds. 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 & including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment & referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions This announcement is open to All US Citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens 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. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the National Science Foundation. 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.