Duties

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The Supervisory Scientist/Engineer (Detail Only) serves as a principal advisor to the Directorate/Office Head, Assistant Director, Deputy Directorate/Office Head, and/or other senior organizational leadership, providing policy, scientific, and administrative expertise in assessing and addressing major collaborative initiatives and issues involving the Foundation's support of research, engineering, STEM education, research infrastructure, innovation, and other priority areas. The incumbent is expected to represent their Directorate/Office in policies and coordination activities. The incumbent coordinates on budget, planning matters, special studies, and reports.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a senior scientific and policy advisor to Directorate/Office leadership on complex, interdisciplinary, and emerging research areas, providing expert analysis and recommendations.
• Provides strategic leadership in advancing organizational vision and integrating national priorities into program planning and implementation.
• Represents the Foundation on national and international committees, panels, and interagency groups; interprets and communicates NSF policies and funding priorities to the research community.
• Identifies and develops new and emerging research initiatives; leads special studies, cross-directorate projects, and strategic program reviews.
• Leads long-range planning and budget development for assigned portfolios; ensures effective stewardship of resources.
• Oversees the merit review process, award and declination decisions, and post-award oversight to ensure integrity, transparency, and compliance.
• Collaborates with senior leadership, Deputy Directorate Heads, and business operations staff to align scientific priorities with operational and budgetary considerations.
• Assists in recruiting and mentoring IPA assignees, STEM professionals, and other staff to sustain scientific excellence.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

1. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.
2. Selectee may be required to serve a 1-year supervisory probationary period.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

* Applicants do not need to seek their supervisor's approval to apply for this detail opportunity. However, supervisory approval is needed prior to making the detail effective.

* Candidates selected for a detail will remain at their current grade and rate of pay.

* This detail is for a period of 120-days and may be extended up to one year.

*The detail may be terminated at any time during this period. Upon conclusion of the detail, you will be returned to your former office and position/grade.

You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire and any external assessment that is included.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Qualifications

The incumbent must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate field; or Master's degree with relevant experience; or equivalent professional experience in a field aligned with the NSF mission.

Candidates must demonstrate extensive, progressively responsible experience in scientific research, research administration, or program leadership that includes:

• Providing leadership and strategic direction for major scientific programs, portfolios, or facilities.
• Managing or overseeing policy development, budgeting, planning, and project management activities related to scientific research.
• Identifying emerging scientific trends and recommending programmatic priorities or new directions.
• Advising senior leadership and interacting on a peer basis with senior scientific and managerial officials across Federal agencies, academia, industry, and international organizations.
• Applying strong analytical skills to assess complex issues, establish priorities, and develop actionable recommendations.

Experience must demonstrate the ability to exercise independent judgment, influence strategic outcomes, and contribute to organizational leadership at a senior level.

Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service status 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.

You must meet eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Please refer to the Qualifications section.

Additional information

This announcement is open to current NSF federal employees only.

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 position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position.

Only applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.