Dear Colleague Letter
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Office of Polar Programs (OPP)
Program Director/Associate Program Director
Dear Colleague:
The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) announces opportunities for
scientists to assist in research program management through an
assignment under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) in the
Divisions of Arctic Sciences and Antarctic Sciences within the Office of
Polar Programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Program Director and Associate Program Director positions in both the
Divisions of Arctic and Antarctic Sciences come available periodically
as specific rotator appointments come to an end. The incumbent will work
principally with one program area but would also be expected to work
with other program directors in the division and office to bring new
ideas to the programs in order to explore possible areas for emphasis.
The incumbent will infuse ideas and foster actions to increase diversity
in the polar science community. While the discipline area is not
pre-defined, preference will be given to scientists who have broad
interests and broad experience in research and teaching and whose
expertise aligns with needs in both Divisions. Please consult the
descriptions of the research areas supported in each Division that are
available on our web site: http://www.nsf.gov/dir/index.jsp?org=OPP.
OPP anticipates that these positions would be limited two or three year
appointments because a long term goal is to enrich all geo- and
bio-science discipline areas within the Division through rotators with
differing interests and experience.
NSF program officers bear the primary responsibility for carrying out
the Agency's overall mission: to support innovative and merit-reviewed
activities in basic research and education that contribute to the
nation's technical strength, security, and welfare. To discharge this
responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate
disciplines, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable
breadth of interest and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of
fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent training and broad
knowledge in a field of geo- or bio-sciences supported by NSF's
Divisions of Arctic and Antarctic Sciences, knowledge of the general
scientific community, skill in written communication and preparation of
technical reports, ability to effectively communicate orally, and
successful independent research experience normally expected of the
academic rank of assistant professor or higher. Skills in
multidisciplinary research and in integrating research and education are
highly desirable. The interest and ability to undertake activities to
increase diversity in polar sciences is also desirable. Prior experience
in polar research is useful but not required.
The positions recruited under this announcement will be filled under the
following appointment option:
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 funding toward the assignee's salary
and benefits.
For additional information on NSF's rotational programs, please see
"Rotational Programs for Scientists, Engineers, and Educators" on the
NSF website at http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please ensure that your application includes the documents listed below
and reflects your background in terms of the qualification requirements
for the position.
Resume or other application format of your choice. Your application
should contain the following information: Country of citizenship.
Information about your education, your major, and type and year of
degree(s). Information about all your work experience, including job
titles, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and phone number,
number of hours worked per week, starting and ending dates (month and
year), and salary. If you have held various positions with the same
employer, describe each separately.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION:
Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin Friday, January
1, 2010 and will continue until a selection is made.
For further information, please contact:
Scott Borg, Director
Division of Antarctic Sciences
National Science Foundation
Email: sborg [at] nsf.gov
Phone: 703-292-8033
Simon Stephenson, Director
Division of Arctic Sciences
National Science Foundation
Email: sstephen [at] nsf.gov
Phone: 703-292-8029