Summary
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking qualified candidates for STEM Analyst positions. These positions may be established within any NSF Directorate/Office.
For more information, visit http://www.nsf.gov/.
This announcement will close on May 18, 2026, or once 200 applications are received, whichever occurs first.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the "Other Information" section for further information.
Duties
The STEM Analyst serves as a key contributor to NSF program operations, providing advanced analytical, programmatic, and operational support to higher level analytical and program management staff. Building upon foundational experience in merit review and program support, this role assumes responsibility for supporting the execution of the merit review lifecycle, conducting in-depth research and analysis, and supporting strategic program planning and external engagement.
The incumbent plays an integral role in managing merit review processes, analyzing program data, and supporting the development and evolution of program portfolios to align with NSF priorities and emerging research areas.
Merit Review Management
- Plan, coordinate, and support the execution of the merit review process in coordination with the supervisor and higher-level staff, including managing timelines, coordinating the proposal intake process, participating in reviewer selection processes, supporting meeting logistics, and conducting post-review proposal and award analyses and reporting.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for merit review operations, ensuring adherence to NSF policies and procedures.
- Oversee preparation and quality of materials for reviewers; support discussions with reviewers and document outcomes.
- Provide guidance to less experienced staff supporting merit review activities.
- Synthesize merit review input and results to support assigned organizational units through the proposal recommendation process.
Programmatic Research & Analysis
- Conduct in-depth research on scientific trends, emerging research areas, and programmatic priorities.
- Analyze proposal and award data to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities within program portfolios.
- Synthesize findings into actionable insights to support decision-making and program development.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Collect, manage, and format datasets related to program portfolios, funding trends, and investigator (PI) communities.
- Develop detailed reports and dashboards on:
- Program investments and funding distributions
- PI and applicant geography and other demographics
- Proposal success rates and portfolio balance
- Forecasting and trend analysis to support strategic planning
- Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and usability for leadership reporting.
Program Planning & Portfolio Support
- Collaborate with their supervisor and higher-level staff to plan, assess, and refine program portfolios.
- Identify emerging opportunities and gaps aligned with NSF strategic priorities.
- Support development of program materials, including solicitations and portfolio justifications.
External Community Engagement & Outreach
- Engage with the research and PI community through outreach activities and communications.
- Support the development of externally facing communications and outreach materials.
- Prepare presentations and materials for workshops, conferences, and PI meetings.
- Represent programmatic interests in internal and external forums, as appropriate.
Performs other duties 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 one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree in an appropriate STEM field or a related professional discipline, plus three or more years of scientific research, research administration, merit review, and/or managerial experience that is pertinent to the position being filled and was gained after completion of the pertinent degree; or
- Master's degree in an appropriate STEM field or a related professional discipline, plus one or more years of scientific research, research administration, merit review, and/or managerial experience that is pertinent to the position being filled and was gained after completion of the pertinent degree; or
- PhD in an appropriate STEM field or a related professional discipline that aligns with the work performed at NSF.
- 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.
- For the 1701 series, a degree in education or in a subject matter field appropriate to the position.
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.
Desired experience:
- Managing or significantly supporting merit review or evaluation processes
- Conducting research and applying analytical methods to inform decisions
- Developing reports, summaries, or data products for stakeholders
- Coordinating projects or program activities with multiple stakeholders
- Experience with federal research funding, grant processes, or peer review systems
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or similar)
- Strong ability to translate complex data into clear insights and visualizations
- Experience supporting outreach, communications, or stakeholder engagement efforts
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.
Additional information
Relocation expenses MAY be paid contingent upon the availability of funds.
It is NSF policy that personnel employed at, or Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) individuals detailed to, NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign talent recruitment programs. 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.
Federal Appropriations Law requires that Non-Citizens meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered.
This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the U.S. National Science Foundation.
NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for telework. Work suitable for telework depends on job duties; therefore, employees must receive approval from their supervisor for telework and have a telework agreement in place. Entering into a telework agreement is voluntary.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated based on the relevance of their academic degree(s) to the primary discipline of the position being filled and the following:
1. Merit Review Management
Ability to plan, coordinate, and support the execution of the merit review process or comparable evaluation processes, including managing timelines, reviewer selection, logistics, and documentation.
2. Advanced Research & Analytical Skills
Ability to independently conduct research, analyze complex information or datasets, and develop insights that inform programmatic or strategic decisions.
3. Data Analysis, Reporting & Visualization
Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing data to produce detailed reports, dashboards, or visualizations that support program oversight and strategic planning.
4. Program Planning & Portfolio Analysis
Ability to support or contribute to program planning, portfolio analysis, and strategic alignment with organizational goals.
5. Communication, Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including the research community.
To preview the application questionnaire, please click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12911570.
In some cases, additional assessment processes may be used.
Required Documents
All applicants are required to submit a legible resume that is no longer than two pages. In addition to the two-page resume, a Curriculum Vitae (CV) may be submitted as a Supplemental Application document.
Applicants may also submit a cover letter.
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. If your degree was obtained from a foreign institution, you MUST submit the certification from the Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals, or certification equivalency.
In order to be considered for federal appointments, Non-Citizens must affirm that they meet the Appropriations Law eligibility criteria by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered. Non-Citizens who are exempt from the Appropriations Law requirements due to their status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on December 16, 2009 must provide a statement with their application noting their exemption with documentation of proof of status as officers or employees of the U.S. government on that date.
You are strongly encouraged to upload a current performance appraisal and/or letter(s) of recommendation and a supplemental statement that describes how your background relates to the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed in the Qualifications and Evaluation Requirements section of this announcement. Additionally, you are encouraged to list all applicable awards either in your CV or in a supplemental statement. This information will be used in the evaluation process.
All uploading must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 Time (ET) 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, visit the USAJOBS Help Center. 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.