November 25, 2014

Dear Colleagues:

The Division of Material Research (DMR), within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Science Foundation (NSF), announces a nationwide search for a senior-level researcher to serve as a Program Director in the Electronic and Photonic Materials Program (EPM). Formal consideration of interested applications will begin on January 5, 2015 and will continue until a selection is made.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency’s overall mission. To discharge this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

The Electronic and Photonic Materials (EPM) program seeks to advance the field of electronics and photonics through basic, potentially transformative materials science research. The scope of the program encompasses the discovery and understanding of materials and material integration with potential for major technological innovations. The program covers identification and understanding of phenomena and fundamental mechanisms associated with synthesis and processing of electronic and photonic materials at atomic and molecular levels. The primary focus of the program is on novel materials and their integration that may offer new paradigms in critical computing, communication and sensing components, or enable advanced optoelectronics and photonics.

For the DMR mission statement and additional information about the above programs, please see https://www.nsf.gov/materials.

This position requires an individual with broad expertise and demonstrated experience in electronic and photonic materials. Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the physical sciences or a closely related field, plus after the award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research pertinent to the position. Applicants must be familiar with a broad spectrum of the materials research community, as well as with the issues being addressed in the field. Applicants with accomplishments in the integration of research and education and with multidisciplinary experience and interests are desired. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills. Familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to work effectively both as an individual within the specific NSF program and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams. The incumbent must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.

This position may be filled using one of the following appointment alternatives:

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.

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 "Programs for Scientists, Engineers, and Educators" on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should indicate which program they are applying to within their cover letter and subject line of the email. Please submit curriculum vitae to dmr-recruit@nsf.gov. Applications are first reviewed by the recruitment working group (typically composed of 3-5 Program Directors) and recommendations are made to DMR's Division Director and Deputy Division Director. A few candidates are selected for telephone and/or NSF on-site interviews. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement of their applications and a status update by email when selections occur. For more information about these openings, you may send an inquiry to dmr-recruit@nsf.gov or contact the Division Director, Mary Galvin by telephone (703) 292-8562 or via e-mail: mgalvind@nsf.gov.

Nominations from the community are also encouraged. A nomination email can be sent to dmr-recruit@nsf.gov.

Because NSF has a rotator program, there are often opportunities in diverse areas of materials research. Those interested are welcome to request further information from dmr-recruit@nsf.gov.

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to 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 be considered as an IPA only.

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