September 16, 2019

Dear Colleague:

The Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS), within the Directorate for Engineering at the National Science Foundation, announces a nation-wide search for a senior-level engineering researcher to fill an open Program Director position in Quantum Information Science & Engineering.

Formal consideration of interested applications will begin on September 16, 2019 and will continue until a selection is made. The ECCS Division is looking to fill this position immediately.

NSF Program Directors have the primary responsibility for carrying out the Agency's overall mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in fundamental research and education that contribute to the nation's technological strength, security, and welfare. They are also responsible for service to NSF-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: (1) Expand Knowledge in science, engineering, and learning; (2) Advance the capability of the Nation to meet current and future challenges; and (3) Enhance NSF’s performance of its mission.

In support of these strategic goals, NSF Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies. 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. This requires expertise in appropriate disciplines to implement the proposal review and evaluation process for the program, as well as strong skills in written and oral communication. Successful candidates should be receptive to new ideas, have a strong sense of fairness, excellent judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

The NSF Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) supports enabling and transformative engineering research at the nano, micro, and macro scales that fuels progress in engineering system applications with high societal impact. ECCS programs encompass novel electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices and the integration of these devices into circuit and system environments, intelligent systems, control, and networks for applications spanning communications and cyber technologies, energy and power, healthcare, environment, transportation, manufacturing, the Internet of Things, and other systems-related areas. ECCS also strengthens its programs through links to other areas of engineering, science, industry, government, and international collaborations. In addition, ECCS emphasizes the integration of research and education to ensure the preparation of a diverse, professionally skilled, and globally competent workforce.

ECCS is organized around three broad program clusters: Electronic, Photonic and Magnetic Devices (EPMD); Communications, Circuits, and Sensing Systems (CCSS); and Energy, Power, Control and Networks (EPCN). For further information, please visit the ECCS web site at https://www.nsf.gov/div/index.jsp?org=ECCS.

ECCS is seeking candidates with broad and demonstrated experience in any of the three ECCS program clusters, and the ability to address emerging engineering research and education and to advance technology development in the area of quantum information science and engineering. The areas of interest are multidisciplinary and cover novel quantum devices, platforms, circuits, signal processing, and controls, for quantum sensing and metrology, quantum communication and networks, or quantum computation and simulation.

The Program Director position recruited under this announcement may be filled under the following rotational program:

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.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in engineering or physical science, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

In addition, demonstrated vision and leadership to identify and support long-term engineering research and education that enhances the mission of ECCS and NSF are highly desired.

This position is an unparalleled opportunity to ensure NSF funds the forefront of engineering research and education. The chosen individual will work with ECCS Senior Management and other NSF Program Directors in formulating research strategies, developing collaboration and cooperation across NSF and among government, academe and industry, while fostering outreach to underrepresented groups.

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 IPA application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered eligible.

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/.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. https://www.nsf.gov/careers/Definition-of-Foreign-Talent-HRM.pdf

To apply, email electronic documents including a: (1) cover letter outlining how your qualifications meet the requirements of this announcement; (2) curriculum vitae; and (3) Citizen Affidavit, as applicable. In the subject line of your e-mail, please reference the DCL number of this announcement and email your package to clondono@nsf.gov.

Carmiña Londoño, PhD
Deputy Division Director
Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS)
National Science Foundation
Phone: (703) 292-8339

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