Application timeline
Position Summary
The Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS), within the Directorate for Engineering at the National Science Foundation, announces a nation-wide search for a senior-level engineering researcher to fill an open Program Director position in the Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) Program.
NSF Program Directors have the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation’s overall mission to support innovative and merit-reviewed activities in fundamental engineering research and education that contribute to the nation's technological strength, security, and welfare. They are also responsible for service to NSF-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: (1) Expand Knowledge in science, engineering, and learning; (2) Advance the capability of the Nation to meet current and future challenges; and (3) Enhance NSF’s performance of its mission. In support of these strategic goals, NSF Program Directors interact extensively with the academic engineering research community, industry, and other Federal agencies.
Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review engineering research and education proposals, make funding recommendations and administer awards to implement the NSF Merit Review Process in a thorough and transparent manner. This requires expertise in appropriate engineering disciplines as well as strong skills in written and oral communication. Successful candidates should be receptive to new ideas, have a strong sense of fairness, excellent judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.
Position Description
The Communications, Circuits, and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) Program supports innovative research in circuit and system hardware and signal processing techniques. CCSS also supports system and network architectures for communications and sensing to enable next-generation cyber-physical systems (CPS) that leverage computation, communication, and sensing integrated with physical domains. CCSS invests in micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS); physical, chemical, and biological sensing systems; neurotechnologies, and communication & sensing circuits and systems. The goal is to create new complex and hybrid systems ranging from nano- to macro-scale with innovative engineering principles and solutions for a variety of applications including but not limited to healthcare, medicine, environmental and biological monitoring, communications, disaster mitigation, homeland security, intelligent transportation, manufacturing, energy, and smart buildings. CCSS encourages research proposals based on emerging technologies and applications for communications and sensing such as high-speed communications of terabits per second and beyond, sensing and imaging covering microwave to terahertz frequencies, personalized health monitoring and assistance, secured wireless connectivity and sensing for the Internet of Things, and dynamic-data-enabled autonomous systems through real-time sensing and learning.
The successful candidate will possess broad and demonstrated experience to address emerging and innovative engineering research in the areas of micro, nano, and bio systems (MEMS/NEMS); chemical, biological, and physical diagnostics; sensors, actuators, and electronic interfaces; ultra-low power wearable and implantable sensing systems; dynamic-data-enabled reconfigurable sensing systems; personalized health monitoring systems through sensing and machine learning; neuro-engineering; and brain-inspired concepts and designs.
The ECCS Division supports enabling and transformative engineering research at the nano, micro, and macro scales that fuels progress in engineering system applications with high societal impact. ECCS programs encompass novel electronic, photonic, and magnetic devices and the integration of these devices into circuit and system environments, intelligent systems, control, and networks for applications spanning communications and cyber technologies, energy and power, healthcare, environment, transportation, manufacturing, and other systems-related areas. ECCS also strengthens its programs through links to other areas of engineering, science, industry, government, and international collaborations. In addition, ECCS emphasizes the integration of research and education to ensure the preparation of a diverse, professionally skilled, and globally competent workforce. ECCS is organized around three broad program clusters: Electronic, Photonic and Magnetic Devices (EPMD); Communications, Circuits, and Sensing Systems (CCSS); and Energy, Power, Control and Networks (EPCN). For further information, visit the ECCS web site at Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) | NSF - National Science Foundation
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.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in engineering or physical science, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
This position is an opportunity to ensure NSF funds the forefront of engineering research and education. The chosen individual will work with ECCS Senior Management and other NSF Program Directors in formulating research strategies, developing collaboration and cooperation across NSF and among government, academia, and industry, while fostering outreach to underrepresented groups.
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. Please make sure that in the subject line of your e-mail you reference the DCL number that applies to this specific announcement.
Vacancy Contact: Dr. Usha Varshney Application
Submission Email Address: uvarshne@nsf.gov
Application Timeline:
• Open Date: June 29th, 2023
• Close Date: Until filled.
• Consideration Begins: September 1st, 2023