Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to Current NSF Employees only. Applications will be accepted from all U.S. citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.

The Supervisory Scientist/Engineer serves as a principal advisor to the Directorate/Office Head, Assistant Director, Deputy Directorate/Office Head, and/or other senior organizational leadership, providing policy, scientific, and administrative expertise in assessing and addressing major collaborative initiatives and issues involving the Foundation's support of research, engineering, STEM education, research infrastructure, innovation, and other priority areas. The incumbent is expected to represent their Directorate/Office in policies and coordination activities. The incumbent coordinates on budget, planning matters, special studies, and reports.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a senior scientific and policy advisor to Directorate/Office leadership on complex, interdisciplinary, and emerging research areas, providing expert analysis and recommendations.
• Provides strategic leadership in advancing organizational vision and integrating national priorities into program planning and implementation.
• Represents the Foundation on national and international committees, panels, and interagency groups; interprets and communicates NSF policies and funding priorities to the research community.
• Identifies and develops new and emerging research initiatives; leads special studies, cross-directorate projects, and strategic program reviews.
• Leads long-range planning and budget development for assigned portfolios; ensures effective stewardship of resources.
• Oversees the merit review process, award and declination decisions, and post-award oversight to ensure integrity, transparency, and compliance.
• Collaborates with senior leadership, Deputy Directorate Heads, and business operations staff to align scientific priorities with operational and budgetary considerations.
• Assists in recruiting and mentoring IPA assignees, STEM professionals, and other staff to sustain scientific excellence.

Conditions of employment

1. You must be a U.S. citizen.
2. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding.
3. Selectee may be required to serve a 2-year trial period.
4. Selectee may be required to serve a 1-year supervisory probationary period.

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.

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.

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.

Qualifications

The incumbent must have a Ph.D. in an appropriate field; or Master's degree with relevant experience; or equivalent professional experience in a field aligned with the NSF mission.

Candidates must demonstrate extensive, progressively responsible experience in scientific research, research administration, or program leadership that includes:

• Providing leadership and strategic direction for major scientific programs, portfolios, or facilities.
• Managing or overseeing policy development, budgeting, planning, and project management activities related to scientific research.
• Identifying emerging scientific trends and recommending programmatic priorities or new directions.
• Advising senior leadership and interacting on a peer basis with senior scientific and managerial officials across Federal agencies, academia, industry, and international organizations.
• Applying strong analytical skills to assess complex issues, establish priorities, and develop actionable recommendations.

Experience must demonstrate the ability to exercise independent judgment, influence strategic outcomes, and contribute to organizational leadership at a senior level.

Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service status or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, and life insurance) are applicable.

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

You must meet eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and research relevant to the duties of the position. In some cases, additional assessment processes may also be used.

You are highly encouraged to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below. This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.

Quality Ranking Factors

1. Strategic Scientific Leadership
Describe your experience providing leadership and strategic direction for major scientific programs, portfolios, or research facilities. Include examples of how you established long-term goals, aligned resources, and ensured mission impact.

2. Program Management, Budgeting, and Policy Oversight
Explain your experience managing or overseeing scientific research programs, including responsibilities related to budgeting, policy development, planning, and project execution. What approaches have you used to ensure accountability, efficiency, and successful outcomes?

3. Identification of Emerging Trends and Innovation
Provide an example of how you identified emerging scientific trends or gaps and translated that insight into programmatic priorities, new initiatives, or strategic shifts. What impact did your recommendations have?

4. Executive-Level Advising and External Engagement
Describe your experience advising senior leadership and collaborating with high-level stakeholders across Federal agencies, academia, industry, or international organizations. How have you influenced decision-making or advanced organizational objectives?

5. Analytical Problem Solving and Decision-Making
Discuss a complex scientific or organizational challenge you faced that required strong analytical skills. How did you assess the issue, prioritize competing demands, and develop actionable recommendations? What was the outcome?

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.

Your application should contain the following information:

• Information about your education, your major, and type and year of degree(s); and Information about all your work experience, including job titles, duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and phone number, number of hours worked per week, starting and ending dates (month and year), and salary. If you have held various positions with the same employer, describe each separately.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter and QRF responses that describe your background in terms of the professional skills associated with this position. This information will be used in the evaluation process.

Transcripts are not required; however, please indicate the year that each degree was obtained on your resume.

Next steps