Application timeline
Position Summary
The Engineering for Civil Infrastructure (ECI) program supports fundamental research that shapes the future of our nation's constructed civil infrastructure, subjected to and interacting with the natural environment, to meet the needs of humans. The ECI program focuses on the physical infrastructure, such as the soil-foundation-structure-envelope-nonstructural building system; geostructures; and underground facilities. The program supports research to advance knowledge and methodologies within geotechnical, structural, architectural, coastal, and construction engineering, and civil infrastructure and geologic materials.
Position Description
The ECI program is managed by a team of Program Directors and this position will support the geotechnical engineering component of the program. The team of Program Directors is highly interdisciplinary and participates in cross-cutting initiatives within the National Science Foundation, as well as in interagency working groups. The position requires a commitment to high standards of intellectualism and 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. A description of the ECI program is provided on the program webpage; https://nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505488
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.
Temporary Excepted Service Appointment: 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 for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.
Visiting Scientist, Engineer, and Educator (VSEE) Program: Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Visiting Scientists are on non-paid leave status from their home institution and placed on the NSF payroll. NSF withholds Social Security taxes and pays the home institution's contributions to maintain retirement and fringe benefits (i.e., health benefits and life insurance), either directly to the home institution or to the carrier. Appointments are usually made for a one-year period and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering or a related field of engineering or science plus, after award of the PhD, six years or more of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
Expertise with respect to geotechnical engineering is essential. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The candidate is expected to function effectively as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams as well as an individual contributor. The candidate must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.
To apply, email a single PDF document that includes (i) a cover letter outlining qualifications for the position, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) Citizen affidavit, as applicable.
- Vacancy Contact: Dr. Mary M. Toney
- Application Submission Email Address: mtoney@nsf.gov