Duties
The Division Director, Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) serves as a member of the leadership team of the Directorate for Biological Sciences. DBI contributes to NSF mission by supporting the development and enhancement of biological resources, human capital, and centers. These investments underpin advances in all areas of biological research. DBI supports resources for research which includes development of informatics tools and resources, development of new instrumentation, the curatorial improvement and computerization of research collections, improvements of research facilities at biological field stations and marine laboratories as well as in living stock collections.
The incumbent provides leadership through the Division to both the research community and among infrastructure providers. Maintains a vision and commitment to support research experiences at all educational levels. Responsible for managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of division staff and resources, including for major research equipment and facilities. This includes directing the activities of the Division of Biological Infrastructure, assessing needs and trends, developing breakthrough opportunities, implementing overall strategic planning, and policy setting. Supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior-level DBI staff (Deputy Division Director), program officers, and administrative and support personnel. Determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, performs project management oversight for facilities, centers, and other major projects, and oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations. Represents NSF to relevant external groups and fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations, and the academic community.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Key Requirements:
Background investigation may be required.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
Requires an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure OGE-278
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess an established record of significant achievement in research, administration, and increasing leadership responsibility in academe, industry or government. Additionally, the Division Director must be experienced and competent in technical, financial and administrative management. The incumbent must work well with people, be an effective communicator, and be committed to continuously develop the diversity of talents and skills of the team.
In addition, the ideal candidate would possess:
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
Leading Change. Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
Leading People. Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Results-Driven Leadership. Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
Business Acumen. Demonstrated ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
Building Coalitions. Demonstrated ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQs)
Essential
Substantial research contributions and strong evidence of scholarship and leadership in biological sciences as evidenced in publications and other professional contributions is required, with practical knowledge of cyberinfrastructure, instrumentation and resources such as biological collections and field stations, and how these integrate into the research enterprise.
Skill in recognizing, developing, and implementing approaches and programs which build on the expertise and knowledge of researchers and educators in other disciplines to develop solutions to important cross-cutting research and education challenges.
Broad understanding of universities and other institutions where research and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is conducted, including knowledge of grant administration and fiscal management in biological sciences research support.
Desired
Ph.D. preferred or equivalent professional experience or a combination of education and equivalent experience in at least one of the major disciplinary fields managed by the Directorate for Biological Sciences (molecular and cellular biosciences, environmental biology, integrative organismal systems), with demonstrated experience in developing or managing biological infrastructure programs or large collaborative projects.
Education
Please refer to the Qualifications section.
Additional information
The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option:
Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Initial IPA assignments are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual agreement.
Salary: The salary noted above is based on the rate of pay for Federal Division Directors. The IPA assignment salary is based on the current salary at the IPA's home institution.
This is a rotator position.
NSF offers a chance for scientists, engineers, and educators to join us as temporary detailees - called rotators. As a rotator, you will be in a prime position to collaborate with others and increase your visibility as you survey the entire breadth of U.S. and international science, engineering, and education in real time. In addition, as a temporary detailee, you can retain your ties to your current institution and return to it with new insights and experience for your team.
Learn more about rotator programs at NSF
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. 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. Foreign Talent Definitions
Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to 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 eligible. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.
Only applications submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.