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Social Scientist, Science of Science & Innovation Policy (SciSIP) Program

National Science Foundation
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The NSF is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Program Director in the Science of Science and Innovation Policy (SciSIP) Program in the Directorate for Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) in Arlington, VA.

(SBE) has supported the Science and Innovation Policy Program (SciSIP); a broad-based research program responsive to the needs, in both public and private sectors, for better scientific understanding of the relationships between science policies and innovation. Understanding the complex linkages between research and development (R&D) investments and the fundamental underpinnings that lead to innovation and social changes is important to identifying, implementing and evaluating policy choices. SciSIP activities develop the foundations of an evidence-based platform from which policymakers and researchers may assess the impacts on the nation's scientific & engineering enterprise, improve their understanding of its dynamics, and predict outcomes.

There are three components to (SciSIP) activities: research, data collection, and community development and outreach. Investigator related research develops usable knowledge and theories of creative processes & their transformation into social and economic outcomes. SciSIP works closely with SBE's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics on improving and expanding science metrics, datasets and analytical tools, yielding changes in the bi-annual science and engineering indicators and other data collections. SciSIP outreach & community development activities include developing a community of practice across the Federal government, industry & universities.

For more information regarding the (SciSIP) program, please visit SciSIP.

NSF is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. In late summer of 2017, NSF will begin the transition from its current location in Arlington, VA to 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314. The new location is adjacent to a Metro station (Eisenhower Avenue on the Yellow Line) and there is ample parking in the area. There are several amenities nearby, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
08/14/2017 to 09/25/2017
Salary
$130,692 to - $174,569 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 04
Location
Arlington, VA
1 vacancy
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation MAY be paid contingent on the availability of funds.
Appointment type
Temporary - This position will be filled as a one-or-two year VSEE, IPA or as a Fed-Temp Appointment.
Work schedule
Full-time - Full-time.
Service
Promotion potential
04
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Announcement number
SBE-2017-0003
Control number
476742500

This job is open to

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Duties

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The responsibilities of the NSF program officer are constantly evolving. The program officer is guided by the goals of NSF’s Strategic Plan: (1) enable the United States to uphold a position of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, and engineering, (2) promote the discovery, integration, dissemination, and employment of new knowledge in service to society, and (3) achieve excellence in U.S. science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing intellectual capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships.

The responsibilities of the NSF Program officer include, for example, long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program or program cluster, the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations, the preparation of press releases, feature articles and material describing advances in the research supported, and coordination and liaison with other programs in NSF, other Federal agencies and organizations. Additional duties and responsibilities include:

  • Represents the National Science Foundation, as required, on national and international committees, boards, panels, etc. Interprets NSF policies for groups and acts as liaison between these and the Foundation.
  • Determines the need for workshops and special studies and works with the directorate's scientific staff in the development of such activities, including defining their purpose and identifying areas of emphasis.
  • Establishes administrative procedures for special meetings of oversight review panels to evaluate the operations of the program.
  • Provides advice and assistance in the development and revision of suitable internal program structures, the arrangement of program and project goals and levels of effort, and the continuing review, evaluation, and coordination of all program activities.
  • Furthers equal opportunity through fair treatment of women, minority group members, and persons with disabilities, and sensitivity to the issues involving these groups in the workplace and in advice rendered. Participates in NSF efforts to broaden participation in the STEM workforce through its policies and programs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Background investigation
  • Preview questions at bottom of Qualifications & Evaluations--see tab above

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements.

Qualifications

The incumbent must have a Ph.D. in a social science field, as it relates to the SciSIP Program; 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 the ability to participate in the leadership of a research organization; a record of accomplishment in their field of study; detailed understanding of the resource needs of social and economic scientists and appropriate modes of support; ability to recognize current and emerging science trends and recommend new directions. Experience and expertise in basic science research areas relevant to the goals of SBE would be beneficial.

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

Additional information

If you do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility, you will not obtain civil service status if selected. If you are currently in the competitive civil service, you will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected.

This Program Director position is in the bargaining unit.

Relocation expenses may be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.

For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit our NSF eRecruit Frequently Asked Questions.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position.
To preview questions please click here.

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