DIVISION DIRECTOR
The Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) announces a nationwide search to fill the position of Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST). Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin on April 24, 2024 and continue until June 24, 2024. Appointment to this Senior Executive Service position may be on a career basis, or on a one- to three-year limited-term basis, with a salary range of $193,819 to $216,470. Alternatively, the incumbent may be assigned under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) provisions[1].
The incumbent serves as Division Director of the Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) in the Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The Division Director leads a team of program officers in managing a broad portfolio of investments in astronomical sciences research and education. The incumbent has managerial and oversight responsibilities for the effective use of Division staff and resources in meeting organizational goals and objectives. This includes directing the activities of the Division, assessing the needs and trends in research and education related to the Division's programs, implementing overall strategic planning, and setting policy. The Division Director supervises and provides leadership and guidance to senior level AST staff (Deputy Division Director and Senior Advisor), AST program officers, and administrative and support personnel. The Division Director determines funding requirements, prepares and justifies budget estimates, balances program needs, allocates resources, oversees the evaluation of proposals and recommendations for awards and declinations, and represents NSF to relevant external groups. The Division Director fosters partnerships with other Divisions, Directorates, Federal agencies, scientific organizations, and the academic community.
The mission of the Division of Astronomical Sciences is to support forefront research in ground-based astronomy; to help ensure the scientific excellence of the U.S. astronomical community; to provide access to world-class research facilities through merit review; to support the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities; and to encourage broad understanding of and diverse participation in the astronomical sciences. The Division supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics and related multidisciplinary studies. Modes of support include single-investigator and collaborative awards, as well as funding for acquisition and development of astronomical instrumentation, innovative mid-scale instrumentation and scientific experiments, technology development for future ground-based facilities, and educational projects that leverage the Division's research investments to build research and workforce capacity and to increase scientific literacy. Through the national observatories and international partnerships, the Division provides support for a system of multi-aperture, research-class telescopes as well as frontier facilities that enable transformational capabilities in both radio and optical/infrared astronomy.
[1] Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: This position may be filled under provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of state and local government agencies, 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 of 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 funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Further information regarding IPA positions is available at http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/ipa.jsp.
