Application timeline
Position Summary
The Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) announces a nationwide search to fill Program Director position for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Industry University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) Program. Formal consideration of interested applications will begin December 4, 2023 and will continue until a selection is made.
For over four decades, the IUCRC Program has led the way to a new era of partnership between academia, government and industry, through high-quality, industrially relevant fundamental research, strong industrial support of and collaboration in research and education, and direct transfer of university developed ideas, research results, and technology to U.S. industry to improve its competitive posture in world markets. Through innovative education of talented graduate and undergraduate students, the IUCRCs are providing the next generation of scientists and engineers with a broad, industrially oriented perspective on engineering research and practice.
Position Description
Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. In support of that, Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies that may lead to development of interagency collaborations. Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations, administer awards, and undertake interaction with research communities in these fields. They are also responsible for service to Foundation-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: 1) Transform the Frontiers of Science and Engineering, 2) Stimulate Innovation and Address Societal Needs through Research and Education, and 3) Excel as a Federal Science Agency. 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. The position requires extensive travel to IUCRC planning and Industry Advisory Board meetings.
Persons wishing to apply for this position are referred to the EEC Divisional web page for a description of the Division; and to the IUCRC webpage for a description of the IUCRC program. Persons are also encouraged to contact the current IUCRC Program Directors, who are identified on the IUCRC web pages, for more information.
NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation's overall mission to support innovative and merit-evaluated activities in fundamental research and education that contribute to the nation's technological strength, security and welfare. The positions require 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.
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 a relevant engineering or science discipline, plus after the award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
Successful candidates will have substantial managerial experience in academe, industry, or government is desired as well as a strong track record of industrial research management and leadership. Experience in leading and managing research collaborations at the academia/industry interface is preferable. The incumbent is expected to have strong communication skills to engage with a broad community spanning academia, industry and government. Familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to serve as an effective program manager and provide oversight for the centers in the IUCRC program.
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the ability to function effectively as a manager of the IUCRC program and be a strong contributing member of crosscutting program teams across NSF. The incumbent must also demonstrate the ability to broadly promote NSF activities and leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.
To apply, email a single PDF document that includes 1) CV, 2) a cover letter explaining the reasons they are interested in the position, and 3) Citizen affidavit, as applicable. The cover letter should describe how their experiences fit with the position of IUCRC Program Officer (referencing the CV), why this position would be of mutual benefit to NSF and to their institutions, and how they foresee this assignment benefiting their careers. It is preferred that application materials and questions be sent to the Division of Engineering Education and Centers Deputy Division Director Jumoke Ladeji-Osias via email to jladejio@nsf.gov with "IUCRC Program Director" in the subject line.