Program Directors, Division of Computing and Communications Foundations (CCF)

Division: Computing and Communication Foundations (CISE/CCF)
Directorate: Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)
Job Type:
STEM
Appointment Type:
Temporary / Rotator
This job is open to the public

Application timeline

Date Posted:
Closing date: Open until filled

Position Description

The Division of Computing and Communications Foundations (CCF) within the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) announces a nationwide search to fill multiple Program Director positions under the provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) in the following programs:

  • Algorithmic Foundations (AF) cluster AF supports innovative research characterized by algorithmic thinking and algorithm design, accompanied by rigorous mathematical analysis. More information about CCF and the AF cluster can be found at: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503299.
  • Communications and Information Foundations (CIF) cluster CIF supports transformative research that addresses the theoretical underpinnings and current and future enabling technologies for information acquisition, transmission, and processing in communication and information networks. More information about CCF and the CIF cluster can be found at: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503300&org=CCF&from=home
  • Foundations of Emerging Technologies (FET) cluster FET aims to enable radical innovations across all areas traditionally supported by CCF, including the theory, algorithms, software, hardware, and architecture of computing and communication systems, through research at the intersection of computing and biological systems, nanoscale science and engineering, quantum information science, and other nascent, yet promising, areas. More information about CCF and the FET cluster can be found at: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505589&org=CCF&from=home
  • Software and Hardware Foundations (SHF) cluster SHF supports innovative research on foundational issues in computer architecture and the key challenges in computer hardware and systems design, including, but not limited to, performance, energy efficiency, reliability, scalability, concurrency, and heterogeneity. More information about CCF and the SHF cluster can be found at: https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503301.

Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin immediately upon receipt of the first application and will continue until selections are made.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation's overall mission to support innovative, merit-evaluated fundamental research and education projects that contribute to the Nation's technological strength, security and welfare. The Program Director position requires outstanding knowledge of research topics and communities, a commitment to high standards of ethical conduct, a considerable breadth of interest, receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

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. https://www.nsf.gov/careers/Definition-of-Foreign-Talent-HRM.pdf.

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.

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

Qualification requirements for the position are a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in the relevant discipline in science or engineering, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience in academe, industry, or government. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to function effectively both as an individual within the specific NSF program and as a member of a crosscutting and interactive team. The incumbent must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.

Applications should be submitted electronically and must include contact information; a current CV; a cover letter that highlights the candidate's background as it specifically relates to the appropriate program objectives and describes availability time frame; and a list of references. Please make electronic submissions to Dr. Thyaga Nandagopal, Deputy Division Director, at tnandago@nsf.gov.