Connectionists: NSF is seeking a program director in large-scale computing

[ckello@gmu.edu]

Dear Connectionists,

The Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences division at the National Science Foundation is seeking to fill a rotator (temporary) program director position in large-scale (e.g., parallel) computing and "cyberinfrastructure" broadly construed (see below).  The applicant must have a current position at a US institution.  For those of you with computing expertise in the behavioral and cognitive sciences, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of NSF's investments in your science.  

Christopher Kello
Program Director
Perception, Action, and Cognition Program

Department of Psychology
George Mason University


ANNOUNCEMENT NO: E20060001-IPA	OPEN: 10/06/2005	CLOSE: 11/07/2005

POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED ON A ONE OR TWO YEAR INTERGOVERNMENTAL PERSONNEL ACT (IPA) ASSIGNMENT BASIS.

The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a position as Program Director in the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS), Directorate for Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arlington, VA. The desired starting date for this appointment is January 2006.

BCS supports research to develop and advance scientific knowledge focusing on human cognition, language, social behavior and culture, as well as research on the interactions between human societies and the physical environment. More information about BCS and their programs can be found on their website at http://www.nsf.gov. The Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences at the NSF is seeking a Program Director who has expertise in cyber-infrastructure and one or more of its disciplinary areas. Social and behavioral research is able to address increasingly complex questions by making use of increases in computer power, processing speed, networking capacities, and data storage capacities, and expertise in the emerging cyber-infrastructure issues is sought. The Program Director would serve as a liaison for cyber-infrastructure issues within NSF and participate in activities within and across programs in the division, directorate, and foundation. The Program Director may als
o assist in administration of programs in one or more of these disciplines: Archaeology, Cognitive Neuroscience; Cultural Anthropology; Development and Learning Sciences; Geography and Regional Science; Linguistics; Perception, Action and Cognition; Physical Anthropology, or Social Psychology.

For IPA assignments, the individual remains an employee on the payroll of his or her home institution and the institution continues to administer pay and benefits. NSF reimburses the institution for NSF�s negotiated share of the costs. Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment include employees of State and local government agencies, institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers and qualified nonprofit organizations. For more information regarding IPA assignments, visit our website at www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps.

Qualifications required: Applicants must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in a discipline related to social and behavioral sciences and have an active research program in a related area. In addition, six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the program are required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: As Program Director directs in the implementation, review, funding, post-award management, and evaluation of the program and contributes to the intellectual integration with other programs supported by the Division. Designs and implements the proposal review and evaluation process for relevant proposals. Selects well qualified individuals to provide objective reviews on proposals either as individuals or as members of a panel. Conducts final review of proposals and evaluations, and recommends acceptance or declination. Manages and monitors on-going grants, contracts, interagency and cooperative agreements to ensure fulfillment of commitments to NSF. Evaluates progress of awards through review and evaluation of reports and publications submitted by awardees and/or meetings at NSF and during site visits. Contributes to the responsibility for establishing goals and objectives, initiating new program thrusts and phasing out old projects. Recommends n
ew or revised policies and plans in scientific, fiscal, and administrative matters to improve the activities and management of the Program.
 
QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED: In addition to the qualifications outlined above, further qualifications desired include:
�	Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and theories that underlie the study of each Program.
�	Research, analytical and technical writing skills, which evidence the ability to perform extensive inquiries into a wide variety of significant issues and to make recommendations and decisions based on findings.
�	Ability to organize, implement and manage large, multi-disciplinary, broadly based, proposal driven grant programs allocating resources to meet a broad spectrum of program goals.
�	Ability to meet and deal with members of the scientific community, other funding agencies and peers to effectively present and advocate program policies and plans.
�	Ability to work with individuals within the Program; both technical and support staff.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications may be transmitted electronically to rotator at nsf.gov. Individuals may also submit a resume or any application of your choice to the National Science Foundation, Division of Human Resource Management, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230, Attn: E20060001-IPA. In addition, you are encouraged to submit a narrative statement that addresses your background and/or experience related to the Program you are applying for. You are asked to complete and submit the attached Applicant Survey form. Submission of this form is voluntary and will not affect your application for employment (the information is used for statistical purposes). Telephone inquiries may be referred to the Executive and Visiting Personnel Branch, at (703) 292-8755. For technical information, contact Dr. Peg (Marguerite) Barratt, Division Director, at (703) 292-8740 or mbarratt at nsf.gov. Hearing impaired individuals may call TDD (703) 292-8044.

The National Science Foundation provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact listed on this vacancy announcement.

NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.