November 4, 2013

The Division of Human Resource Development (HRD) announces a nationwide search for a temporary Program Director in the Excellence Awards in Science and Engineering (EASE) Program at the National Science Foundation. Formal consideration of applications will begin on January 6, 2014 and will continue until a selection is made.

The Division of Human Resource Development (HRD) serves as a focal point for NSF's agency-wide commitment to enhancing the quality and excellence of STEM education and research through broadening participation by historically underrepresented groups - minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. Priority is placed on investments that promise innovation and transformative strategies and that focus on creating and testing models that ensure the full participation of and provide opportunities for the educators, researchers, and institutions dedicated to serving these populations. Programs within HRD have a strong focus on partnerships and collaborations in order to maximize the preparation of a well-trained scientific and instructional workforce for the new millennium.

The EASE Program is the umbrella for two presidential awards - Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Engineering and Mathematics Mentoring (PAESMEM). Both PAEMST and PAESMEM programs are administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

PAEMST was established by the White House in 1983 and the awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. PAESMEM was established by the White House in 1995 to recognize U.S. citizens or permanent residents and U.S. organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from groups that are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and workforce.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency’s overall mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed projects in basic research and education that contribute to the nation’s technical strength, security and welfare. To discharge this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate STEM and education fields, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest in and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

HRD is interested in an individual who will provide leadership and expertise in K-12 STEM education for the HRD division and may work with other HRD and EHR programs as needed. The primary responsibilities for this position include the administration and management of all aspects of the PAEMST program. Additional duties and responsibilities of the individual include contributing to the management and implementation of the PAESMEM as needed.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or Ed. D. in any STEM field and following the doctorate degree, six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experiences pertinent to the position. Ideal candidates will have knowledge and experience with: K-12 science and math educational systems; polices and issues related to science and math K-12 curriculum; and methods and strategies for evaluating and assessing K-12 teaching. Also desirable is knowledge and/or experience with: K-12 education state and federal policy; research on learning STEM in K-12 classrooms and teacher professional development; relevant STEM K-12 teacher professional organizations; coordination of geographically disperse individuals; educational technology and social media; and broadening the participation of underrepresented individuals in STEM (underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities).

The position may be filled with one of the following appointment options:

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 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should indicate program they are applying to within the cover letter and subject line of the email. Please submit a current CV and statement of interest to: hrdrecruit@nsf.gov. For more information, you may send an inquiry to Jermelina Tupas at jtupas@nsf.gov

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