March 12, 2018

Dear Colleague:

The Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) announces a nationwide search for temporary Program Directors in Mathematics Education Research at the National Science Foundation. Formal consideration of applications will begin March 19, 2018 and will continue until selections are made.

DRL is interested in candidates with research expertise in PreK-12 mathematics learning or teaching (e.g., with expertise in preschool/elementary, elementary/middle or middle school/high school content, and the learning or teaching of this content). Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education Research or a related field, plus after award of the degree, six or more years of successful research or research administration.

DRL invests in projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM learning for people of all ages. Its mission includes promoting innovative research, development, and evaluation of learning and teaching across all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines by advancing cutting-edge knowledge and practices in both formal and informal learning settings. DRL also promotes the broadening and deepening of capacity and impact in the educational sciences by encouraging the participation of scientists, engineers and educators from the range of disciplines represented at NSF. Therefore, DRL's role in the larger context of Federal support for STEM education research is to be a catalyst for change – advancing theory, methodology, measurement, development, and application in STEM education.

Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure that NSF-funded mathematics education research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental and applied knowledge. The candidate is expected to function effectively as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams as well as an individual contributor. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills. Familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable.

The position will 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. For additional information regarding IPA positions, please visit the NSF website at: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/ipa.jsp.

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 institutions 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 institutions 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/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. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will be considered as an IPA only. We also ask that you complete and submit the Applicant Survey Form. This will help NSF to ensure that our recruiting efforts are attracting a diverse candidate pool; it will be used for statistical purposes only.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants should apply by email. Please use the header: "Mathematics education program officer vacancy" in the subject line of the email. Please submit a current CV and statement of interest to drlrecruit@nsf.gov.

Get more information: Applicants may request more information by directing an inquiry to drlrecruit@nsf.gov.

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