The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) announces a nationwide search to fill the position of Senior Science Advisor for Inclusivity.  Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin 5/01/2022 and continue until a selection is made. Appointment to this Excepted Service position may be on a temporary AD-05 basis, with a salary range of $177,660 to $196,969. Alternatively, the incumbent may be assigned under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) provisions.

The mission of MPS is to harness the collective efforts of the mathematical and physical sciences communities to address the most compelling scientific questions, educate the future advanced high-tech workforce, and promote discoveries to meet the needs of the Nation.

The Senior Science Advisor for Inclusivity, a member of the MPS senior leadership team, assists the MPS Assistant Director, Deputy Assistant Director and all Division Management Teams in the formulation of the directorate’s STEM equity goals, objectives, and priorities; the integration of scientific, equity and technical priorities into effective policies, strategies, and programs; and the conduct of program planning, implementation, and evaluation procedures, all in the context of broadening the participation of scientists across all MPS related fields. 

The incumbent, as a senior-level technical expert with stature and experience in building STEM equity strategies and programs, serves as a key Senior Science Advisor for MPS by preparing relevant analyses that in turn provide a basis for major decisions in priority setting, directorate and program planning and internal management, and translating STEM equity decisions into effective budgetary and operational activities.

Successful candidates will be expected to work collaboratively with staff and other program officers in specific MPS programs or more broadly across MPS’ portfolio of research and development programs ranging across STEM disciplines, age groups, educational settings, and research methodologies.  They will also be expected to work closely with staff across divisions and directorates on cross-cutting programs of importance to the mission of the Agency.

The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option(s):

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 (retirement, health benefits and life insurance) are applicable for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.