The National Science Foundation is seeking qualified candidates for an Oceanographer (Program Director) position for the Integrative Programs Section (IPS), in the Division of Oceansciences (OCE) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Alexandria, VA.

More information on GEO.

More information on OCE.

Responsibilities

OCE supports basic research and education to further understanding of all aspects of the global oceans and their interactions with the earth and the atmosphere. The division also offers opportunities to participate in global change research programs and other focus programs.

OCE supports the operation, acquisition, construction, and conversion of major shared-use oceanographic facilities needed to carry out oceanographic-related research programs.

The incumbent is a member of the Integrative Programs Section (IPS) of OCE and serves as the Program Director of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Program. The OOI Program Director will work closely with other Program Directors in IPS who collectively manage OCE’s research infrastructure facilities, and coordinate with the OCE Science Program Directors on opportunities for OOI Program engagement with the science community to support cutting edge scientific research and technological developments. The IPS portfolio supports a broad range of programs in research infrastructure and observations facilities, ocean technology development, and ocean education. The OOI Program Director will also interact with members of the NSF Large Facilities Office (LFO) on matters pertaining to the management of NSF Major Facilities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Program Planning and Management:

• Plan and implement allocation of funds to meet program requirements effectively and efficiently within the limits of program budgets.
• Manage the NSF Oversight responsibilities for the management and operation of the program.
• Plan, implement, and monitor program actions to meet fiscal and procedural policies.
• Coordinate with the Division of Acquisition and Cooperative Support (DACS) to administer the Cooperative Agreements (CA) for the Management & Operation of the program.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Assistant Director for Geosciences (GEO) and the LFO on the administration of NSF policies and procedures for oversight of major facilities as applicable to the program.
• Conduct necessary risk management activities such as the planning, identification, analysis, mitigation, and monitoring of risks through a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools.
• Utilize knowledge of agency policies in order to process proposals in a timely and appropriate manner, ensure that adequate documentation is provided for all proposal actions, and to maintain appropriate proposal review procedures and post-award monitoring processes. Ensure that all activities that may impact other programs are appropriately communicated to responsible staff.

Representation, Communication, and Leadership:

• Represent the program within the scientific community accurately reflecting NSF policies and positions.
• Inform the Division and Directorate leadership regarding the significant outcomes of the program and developments and trends in the field.
• Create and maintain linkages to other NSF units and other Federal agencies to pursue the overall NSF mission. Participate in staff, panel, committee, and other meetings to provide input relevant to Program and/or Division areas.
• Pursue affirmative action and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) goals. This can be achieved by establishing an inclusive environment where both organizational and cultural awareness are demonstrated, and all perspectives are considered.
• Pursue and/or be responsive to assignments to special projects and temporary function teams across the Foundation to solve problems, improve staff communication, and affect special programs' coordination.
• Contribute ideas and efforts towards improving the quality of NSF policies and achievement of the overall mission.
• Contribute to the development of policies and plans for strengthening support of ocean research infrastructure, observations facilities, technological developments, and ocean education programs.
• Utilize the ability to demonstrate knowledge in a logical, organized, concise, and compelling manner through verbal and written communication to advise, inform, persuade, present, and defend actions. Apply the skill to tailor the message to the intended audience with the appropriate tone, style, and delivery. Apply the expertise to use these communications to persuade and connect with stakeholders to reach agreements in concurrence with NSF’s positions and decisions.
• Provide effective communication and cooperation and the ability to interact in a thoughtful, transparent, and respectful manner to minimizes disputes and disagreement.

Professional Development:

• Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in program and related areas through participation in professional activities.
• Maintain familiarity with salient current research facilities, technology developments, and scientific and engineering best practices in order to make decisions with minimal supervision using evidence to weigh options and forecast outcomes.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
• US citizenship.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs (Foreign Talent Definitions). Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

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

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Master’s degree in an Ocean Science, plus after award of the degree, eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.

Application Deadline: October 25, 2021
Salary: $148,933 to $190,947 per year
Work Schedule: Full-time

Learn more about this position and how to apply.