The mission of AST is to support forefront research in ground-based astronomy; to help ensure the scientific excellence of the U.S. astronomical community; to provide access to world-class research facilities through merit review; to support the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities; and to encourage broad understanding of the astronomical sciences by a diverse population of scientists, policy makers, educators, and the public at large. The Division supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics as well as related multidisciplinary studies. Because of the scale of modern astronomical research, the Division engages in numerous interagency and international collaborations. Areas of emphasis and the priorities of specific programs are guided by community recommendations, which have been developed and transmitted by National Academies decadal surveys and reports, and by federal advisory committees.

The candidates selected for this position will have responsibility in one or more of the following areas: management of proposal merit review and award recommendations; management oversight of one or more mid-scale instrumentation/science awards; and interacting with other NSF programs, Federal and international agencies and organizations. Program Directors are expected to bring their scientific expertise to the activities of the Division, and to serve as a liaison between the astronomical community and NSF, disseminating information about NSF and Division activities and opportunities. Candidates are expected to work with the astronomical research and education community to broaden the diversity of participants in NSF programs.

The responsibilities of the NSF Program Director are constantly evolving. The Program Director is guided by the goals of NSF’s Strategic Plan: (1) transform the frontiers of science and engineering; (2) stimulate innovation and address societal needs through research and education; and (3) excel as a Federal Science Agency. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing intellectual capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships. Duties include the following:

• Managing proposal processing from receipt through merit review to final recommendation.

• Working with colleagues to organize merit review using the full range of NSF options, ensuring appropriate and comprehensive evaluation of each proposal.

• Recommending a balanced suite of awards and monitoring progress and evaluating changes during the execution of awarded projects.

• Advising and assisting in the development of short-and long-range plans and establishing goals and objectives for research programs. Incorporating recommendations of Federal advisory committees (such as the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee and the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Advisory Committee) and their subcommittees, and of National Academies studies, into these plans.
• Managing the merit review, award recommendation, and post-award oversight for research proposals related to exoplanets and solar system science. Advising division management about astronomical community activities related to planetary science. liaising with NASA Planetary Science Division and other entities that provide research support for Planetary Science

Requirements:

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 (Foreign Talent Definitions). Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. 

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement Safer Federal Workforce Task Force 2 pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address.  If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or 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.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

Education Requirements:Evaluations:

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position.  In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used.

We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below.  This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.

Quality Ranking Factors

1. Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and theories applicable to astronomy, astrophysics, and physics which have resulted in recognized status in the community of scientists.

2. .Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with the scientific community, peers, and co-workers at all levels to advocate program policies and plans and to fulfill NSF’s mission.

3. Knowledge of management and organizational concepts, principles, practices and techniques with expertise in applying this knowledge in science program management, and/or research administration.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Engineering, Solar Physics or Computer Science, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. You must identify the date that your degree was obtained.

Some of the education and/or experience must be in a field of research directly supported by the Division of Astronomical Sciences.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.