Duties
The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks skilled and motivated Science Analysts at the AD-2 level to join our team in advancing cutting-edge research and educational initiatives. This interdisciplinary role is integral to NSF's mission of supporting and fostering innovation across various scientific and technical disciplines. As a Science Analyst, you will be vital in conducting research, analyzing complex scientific data, and developing comprehensive reports to support NSF leadership and program directors in strategic decision-making. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of scientific policy, engaging with high-level assessments and evaluations of NSF's program investments while contributing to outreach, public relations, and the effective communication of NSF's impact on the scientific community and society. Ideal candidates are knowledgeable in STEM disciplines, skilled in synthesizing information, and ready to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values data-driven insights and innovation.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Research and Analysis
- Conducts comprehensive research to develop reports, studies, and analyses on scientific topics aligned with the Division's priorities.
- Synthesizes disparate data and information into cohesive work products, drawing from various scientific and technical resources.
Technology and Subject Matter Expertise
- Demonstrates advanced understanding of STEM disciplines to create technically sound work products and support the Division's mission effectively.
Support for Leadership
- Assists Division leadership and program directors by developing presentations, speeches, talking points, and other communication materials to support decision making.
- Accesses and analyzes confidential, proprietary, and pre-decisional data to provide Division leadership with critical insights on programmatic and policy implications.
Literature Analysis and Impact Assessment
- Performs literature analysis and synthesizes findings on the scientific, technical, economic, or societal impact of the Division's research portfolio.
Program Evaluation and Information Compilation
- Compiles and presents data on program portfolios and outcomes to support expert evaluations and assessments of the Division's investments in STEM fields.
- Prepares findings for publication and presentation at various NSF and cross-agency meetings.
Interagency Collaboration
- Participates in NSF and interagency activities related to program assessment and evaluation, contributing to budgetary, reporting, and policy discussions with other
Federal R&D agencies.
- Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement
- Supports the Division's outreach efforts, specifically programs within the Division's research portfolio, and serves as the primary contact for research highlight development.
Committee of Visitors (COV) Oversight
- Assists division leadership in overseeing COV processes, ensuring alignment with results-oriented activities, and providing guidance on outcomes and metrics.
Business Process Improvement
- Evaluate and recommend enhancements to business processes and procedures using data analytics and software automation for operational efficiency.
Merit Review and Award Oversight
- Utilizes in-depth knowledge of program portfolios to support the merit review and award oversight processes as needed.
Public Relations and Communications
- Serves as the Division's liaison to the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) for all press-related activities concerning the Division's programs.
Other duties and activities appropriate to the position, as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
This position is outside the competitive civil service.
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.
The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, candidates must have successfully completed a Ph.D. or a Master's degree with two or more years of relevant research, administration, or managerial experience post-degree completion in one of the following:
- For the 0101 series, a degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
- For the 0401 series, a degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
- For the 0801 series, a degree in engineering to include those specialty engineering fields.
- For the 1301 series, a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics.
- For the 1501 series, a degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science.
Transcripts (official or unofficial) that include the degree date of conferral must be upload prior to the closing date of the vacancy in order to be considered for this position.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you must also submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit an application online at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USAJOBS website at https://www.USAJOBS.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for the position. Once you have completed the USAJOBS process, you will be re-directed to the USA Staffing system to complete your application process, answer the online questions, and submit all required documents. Applications submitted other than the USAJOBS online application WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED under this announcement.
- Your application and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying online for this position will be able to apply until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Please allow adequate time to complete your application.
-If you encounter technical difficulties during the process, please submit a USA Staffing Help Ticket for assistance. If you have technical difficulties applying to the vacancy on the USAJOBS website, click on Contact USAJOBS. It is suggested that you do not wait until the last day to apply for a vacancy announcement. We will not accept applications other than those submitted through USAJOBS.
- As the applicant, it is your responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, and submitted is received and is accurate. Ensure that your application includes the required documents listed under "Required Documents" and that they are uploaded in the appropriate fields.
- If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of this application and hiring process, please notify the point of contact on this job opportunity announcement.
IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR DATE OF BIRTH ON YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have 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.
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website
Applicants should click 'Track this Application' in the Applicant Dashboard to receive application updates.