Science — U.S. National Science Foundation

Polar Sciences, Program Director (IPA)

Published 4 min read
By Thirstier News

Office:

Polar Programs (OD/OPP)

Directorate:

Office of the Director (OD)

Job Type:
STEM

Appointment Type:
Temporary / Rotator

Pay Grade/Scale:
AD-04

This job is open to the public

Application timeline

Date Posted:


Closing date:

Open until filled

Position Summary

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking highly qualified individuals interested in serving in STEM positions through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program. This agency-wide informal outreach effort aims to identify candidates with strong scientific, technical, leadership, and program management expertise who are interested in contributing to NSF’s mission to promote the progress of science and advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare.

NSF is particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated experience in STEM disciplines, strategic leadership, research administration, innovation, and collaboration across academia, industry, and government.

IPA assignments provide a unique opportunity for eligible individuals from academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities to contribute their expertise while gaining valuable federal experience supporting national science and engineering priorities.

Position Description

The NSF Office of Polar Programs (OPP) supports fundamental research and discovery in the Arctic and Antarctic and provides the research infrastructure and capabilities necessary to enable U.S. science in the polar regions. OPP’s Polar Sciences Section supports a broad portfolio of research spanning the atmospheric, biological, earth, ocean, social, astrophysics, and geospace sciences, as well as interdisciplinary and systems-level research addressing the polar regions.

Polar Sciences program directors work across programs supporting Arctic and Antarctic research, with opportunities to manage research portfolios, advance scientific priorities, foster interdisciplinary and cross-program collaboration, and engage with the national and international polar research communities.

Candidates with expertise in NSF-supported areas of science relevant to research in the Arctic and Antarctic are welcome to apply.

The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option(s):

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. 

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.

This opportunity is open only to individuals eligible for appointment under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program. Applicants must meet all IPA eligibility requirements at the time of application. In accordance with the U.S. National Science Foundation requirements, IPAs must be United States citizens.

Currently searching for PhD candidates with a strong background in atmospheric and oceanographic sciences. 

  • We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in atmospheric dynamics and processes, physical and chemical oceanography, air-sea interactions, as well as the complex interactions among the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and the broader polar system.
  • Candidates with experience in observational, experimental, modeling, or interdisciplinary approaches are highly encouraged to apply. 
  • We also welcome interest from those working in areas that cut across disciplines, such as polar observing systems, Earth system science, convergence research, data and cyberinfrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Additionally, we are especially seeking candidates whose backgrounds align with NSF’s current priority areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum information science and technology, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies relevant to polar research.

Interested individuals should submit the following materials:

• Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) 
• Brief statement of interest highlighting relevant experience and areas of expertise 
• Current contact information 

Application materials should be submitted electronically to: jhannan@nsf.gov

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Be advised that IPA participants will be eligible for either one year of per diem allowance, in accordance with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) rates, or a round-trip household goods move to support the rotational assignment.

We encourage you to share this opportunity broadly with qualified colleagues and professional networks. Questions regarding this outreach effort or IPA opportunities may also be directed to Lindsey Moraz, Excepted Service Unit Chief, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) at lmoraz@nsf.gov.


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Source: NSF Job Opportunities