Dear Colleague Letter:
Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) Employment Opportunities - Program Directors (Open Until Filled)

National Science Foundation
Office of Polar Programs
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230

Posted March 31, 2017

Dear Colleague:

The Office of Polar Programs (OPP), Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), announces a nationwide search for outstanding scientists to fill open Program Director positions to assist in research program management in programmatic areas of Arctic Sciences, Antarctic Sciences, and Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics. The Office reserves several Program Director positions to be filled by visiting scientists, Intergovernmental Personnel Assignments (IPAs), or Federal temporary assignments. These come available periodically as specific rotator appointments come to an end.

Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin April 1, 2017 and will continue until selections are made.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the agency's overall mission to support innovative, merit-reviewed activities in basic research and education that contribute to the nation's technical strength, security, and welfare. To fulfill 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.

The incumbent will work principally with one program area but would also be expected to work with other program directors in polar sciences and across the Foundation to explore possible new areas for emphasis. The incumbent will foster ideas and 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 the science programs of both Polar Regions.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in an area of science supported by OPP, plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. Desired attributes include, knowledge of the general scientific community, skills 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 interdisciplinary 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.

For further information, please see the full Dear Colleague Letter at the National Science Foundation site.

For additional information on NSF's rotational programs, please visit: https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator/.