July 16, 2018

Dear Colleagues:

The Division of Materials Research (DMR) announces a nationwide search for senior-level researchers to serve as a Program Director for the Electronic and Photonic Materials program. Applicants should have experience in advancing fundamental understanding of mechanisms and phenomena associated with the synthesis, characterization, and processing of electronic and photonic materials at the atomic and molecular levels. In addition, research experience in developing novel electronic and photonic materials and their integration that may offer new paradigms in critical computing, communication and sensing components, or enabling advanced optoelectronics and photonics is sought. Applicants must be familiar with a broad spectrum of the materials research community, as well as with the most relevant research issues being addressed in the field currently. DMR is interested in candidates with a breadth of expertise, particularly including 2D materials and hybrid electronic/photonic systems. Applicants with accomplishments in the integration of research and education and with multidisciplinary experience are desired.

Formal consideration of applications will begin August 1, 2018 and will continue until selections are made. The position requires an individual with broad knowledge and demonstrated success in the sub-disciplinary area of materials research indicated above. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in the physical sciences or a closely-related field, plus after the award of the Ph.D., a minimum of six or more years of successful independent research. In addition, research administration and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position would be highly desirable. The incumbent should also have an appreciation for interdisciplinary research. For the DMR mission statement and additional information about the above program, please see https://www.nsf.gov/materials.

The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and 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.

How to Apply

Applicants should indicate the program they are applying to within their cover letter and subject line of the email. Please submit the curriculum vitae to dmr-recruit@nsf.gov. Applications are reviewed by DMRs Division Director and Deputy Division Director. A few candidates are selected for telephone and/or NSF on-site interviews. Applicants will receive an acknowledgment 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 Sean L. Jones.

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

The position may be filled with 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 see "Programs for Scientists, Engineers, and Educators" on the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/.

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 Citizenship 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.

NSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Employing a Highly Qualified Staff that Reflects the Diversity of Our Nation.