The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) announces a nationwide search to fill the position of Division Director (DD), Division of Physics. This position is open with the following options: Career SES and Limited Term SES. Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information. All new SES members serve a one-year probationary period. This position is also being advertised for appointment under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) provisions with a salary range of $185,335-$206,950.
The mission of the Division of Physics (PHY) is to enable fundamental research and education across the intellectual frontiers of the field. Programs in eight subareas support research that covers a broad spectrum of energy, time, and distance scales. PHY seeks a deep understanding of processes that describe the formation and current structure of the cosmos, from elementary particles to gravitational waves, the behavior of matter at all energies where quantum effects dominate, the physical description of the living world, and the structure of atomic and molecular entities that shape and control the everyday world that we live in. PHY also supports the development of new tools and techniques needed to expand and refine our understanding within these many areas - from particle accelerators to probe physics at the energy frontier, to femtosecond lasers to probe and control atomic and molecular systems, to LIGO, a new window on the universe. The knowledge gained through basic research will ultimately have broad impact on other fields of science and on the health, economic strength, and defense of society, while the research activity itself will contribute to the formation of the Nation's advanced high-tech workforce.
The Division Director leads a team of program officers in managing a broad portfolio of investments in physics research and education. The incumbent has managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of Division staff and resources in meeting organizational goals and objectives. This includes directing the activities of the Division, assessing the needs and trends in research and education related to the Division's programs, implementing overall strategic planning, and policy setting. The Division Director supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior level PHY staff (Deputy Division Director and the Senior Advisor), PHY program officers, administrative and support personnel. The Division Director determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations, and represents NSF to relevant external groups. The Division Director fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations, and the academic community.
The successful candidate will possess an established record of significant achievement in research, administration, and increasing leadership responsibility in academey, industry or government. Additionally, the Division Director must be experienced and competent in technical, financial and administrative management. The incumbent must work well with people, be an effective communicator, and be committed to continuously develop the diversity of talents and skills of the team.
Key Requirements:
Background investigation may be required.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
Requires an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure OGE278
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess an established record of significant achievement in research, administration, and increasing leadership responsibility in academe, industry or government. Additionally, the Division Director must be experienced and competent in technical, financial and administrative management. The incumbent must work well with people, be an effective communicator, and be committed to continuously develop the diversity of talents and skills of the team.
In addition, the ideal candidate would possess:
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
Leading Change. Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
Leading People. Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Results-Driven Leadership. Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risksBusiness Acumen. Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
Building Coalitions. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQs)
Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience, or a combination of education and equivalent experience, in physics or a closely related field.
Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship in areas related to physics as evidenced by publications, innovative leadership in research administration, and professional leadership and awards in these technical areas.
Skill in balancing complex and diverse program demands and available resources in response to major advances or changing needs of science and engineering research and technology.
Broad understanding of universities and other institutions where research and education in science and engineering is conducted including knowledge of grant administration and fiscal management with experience in physics research support.
National Science Foundation (NSF) has remained the premier Federal agency supporting basic research at the frontiers of discovery across all fields, as well as science and engineering education at all levels
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