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DATE: April 25, 2012

The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR), within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) at the National Science Foundation (NSF), announces a nationwide search for a geologist professional to fill the following positions:

Associate Program Director and Program Director positions for the following programs: Continental Dynamics, EarthScope, Education and Human Resources, Geobiology and Low-temperature Geochemistry, Geomorphology and Land Use Dynamics, Geophysics, Hydrologic Sciences, Instrumentation and Facilities, Petrology and Geochemistry, Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology, and Tectonics.

Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin June 1, 2012 and will continue until selections are made.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation's overall mission to support innovative and merit-evaluated activities in fundamental research and education that contribute to the nation's technological strength, security and welfare. As an Associate Program Director and Program Director, you will play an instrumental role in NSF's mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education. To fulfill these responsibilities in the Division of Earth Sciences, requires knowledge in one or more of the areas of geobiology, geochemistry, the geologic environmental record, geomorphologic process analysis, geophysics, geosciences education, environmental systems, hydrology or tectonics and a commitment to high standards; receptivity to a breadth of new ideas; and good judgment. In this process, you will get unique opportunities to influence, and help lead, your scientific field.

Qualifications of a successful candidate include a Ph.D degree or equivalent in a relevant Geosciences discipline, an established record of research and education in a field appropriate to the position, and managerial experience in academe, industry or government, plus at least four years (Associate Program Director) / six years (Program Director) of successful research and research administration. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills; familiarity with NSF EAR programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to function effectively, both as an individual within specific NSF Programs, and as a member of crosscutting and interactive team in the Division of Earth Sciences and more broadly with other parts of the NSF. The applicant must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.

Associate Program Director and Program Director positions recruited under this announcement may be filled with one of the following appointment options:

Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment (IPA) Act: 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. Under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA), non-citizens may be considered as long as the individual is employed at an IPA-eligible institution.

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 placed on the NSF payroll. 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. Appointments are usually made for a one-year period and may be extended for an additional year 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 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.

For additional information on NSF's rotational programs please visit: https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens. Due to a recent change in Federal Appropriations Law, only Non-Citizens who are permanent U.S. residents and actively seeking citizenship can be considered. Therefore, you are required to provide documentation that confirms you are actively seeking citizenship at the time you submit your application. Non-citizens who do not provide documentation will not be considered.

Individuals interested in applying for these positions should send a current CV and statement of interest to:

Dr. Wendy Harrison
Division Director
Division of Earth Science, Suite 785S
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22230
Fax: (703) 292-8571
Email: weharris@nsf.gov

NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.