January 13, 2016

Dear Colleague:

The Division of Information & Intelligent Systems (IIS), within the Directorate of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) announces a nationwide search to fill multiple Program Director positions in the Robust Intelligence (RI) core program and the National Robotics Initiative (NRI) program. Particular areas of desired expertise include artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics and autonomous systems.

NSF Program Directors are in charge of specific research areas. They solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations and administer awards. They are also responsible for the expansion and evolution of the program, interaction with other Federal agencies, forming and guiding interagency collaborations, and for service to Foundation-wide activities.

Formal consideration of interested applications will begin January 15, 2016 and will continue until selections are made.

Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. In support of that, Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies that may lead to development of interagency collaborations. Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations, administer awards, and undertake interaction with research communities in these fields. They are also responsible for service to Foundation-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: 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.

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. The positions require outstanding knowledge of the research topics and communities, a commitment to high standards of ethical conduct, a considerable breadth of interest, receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

Qualification requirements for the position are a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in the relevant discipline in science or engineering, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience in academe, industry, or government. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills; familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to function 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.

The positions recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option:

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 are made for a one-year period, with a possible extension for up to three additional years by mutual agreement. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. 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 Citizen Affidavit to their application. This also applies to individuals considered for Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) assignments to NSF. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered eligible.

Persons wishing to apply for this position are referred to the Divisional web page, https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?org=IIS, for a description of the relevant programs. These persons are also encouraged to contact current Program Directors, who are identified on the program web pages, for more information. For additional information on NSF's rotational programs, please see About Rotator Positions on the NSF website at https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/.

Applications of interest should be submitted electronically and must include contact information, a current CV, a letter briefly describing the candidate's background that specifically relates to the appropriate program objectives, availability time frame, and a list of references.

Please make electronic submissions to lyparker@nsf.gov.

Dr. Lynne Parker, Director
Division of Information & Intelligent Systems
Directorate for Computing & Information Science & Engineering
National Science Foundation
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-292-8930

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