February 6, 2015

Dear Colleagues:

The Division of Physics (PHY), within the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Science Foundation (NSF), announces a nationwide search for professional physicists to fill Program Director positions:

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.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent training in a field of the physics, a broad knowledge of one of the relevant disciplinary areas of the Division of Physics, a knowledge of the general scientific community, skill in written communication and preparation of technical reports, an ability to communicate orally, and at least six years of successful independent research normally expected of the academic rank of associate professor or higher. Some administrative experience and experience working in teams are desirable. Appointees are expected to function effectively both within specific programs and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams. Skills in multidisciplinary research are highly desirable.

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

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.

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

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law requires 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.

Should you or your colleagues be interested in this position, or wish to nominate suitable candidates, please email a current CV accompanied by a cover letter highlighting the background that specifically relates to the program objectives to:

Dr. Bradley D. Keister, Deputy Division Director
Division of Physics
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1015
Arlington, Virginia 22230
Phone: 703 292-7377
Fax: 703 292-9078
bkeister@nsf.gov

Formal consideration of interested applications will begin on February 23, 2015 and will continue until selections are made.

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