Welcome to the National Science Foundation
Greetings!
We are glad that you have chosen to join our talented team whose efforts keep America on the cutting edge of science and engineering research and education.
To help you become acquainted with the Foundation, we have designed NSF’s comprehensive onboarding program, New Employee Welcome (NEW), to provide you with resources to assist in your orientation, acclimation and connection to your new role, your team, and the Foundation. Through NEW, we provide new employees a suite of onboarding resources and activities to help them succeed in their new role, including the NEW program webpages, New Employee Roundtables, Onboarding Checklists, and many more. Preview NEW through the New Employee Roadmap linked here.
Please contact the New Employee Welcome (NEW) Program, NEW@nsf.gov, with questions or comments. We look forward to having you onboard!
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..." NSF is vital because we support basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future.
Read more about NSF here.
On your first day of employment, please report to the NSF Visitor and Reception Center to receive a badge before proceeding to New Employee Orientation on the 4th Floor. The Reception Center is located inside the NSF main entrance at 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
More information on accessing NSF via Metro, driving, etc. can be found here.
On your first day of employment you will be required to complete the necessary forms to ensure your successful transition to the National Science Foundation.
Identification: You will need to bring TWO forms of identification, one of which must be an unexpired government-issued form of identification with your photo. Below is a list of acceptable forms of identification. (Additional forms of identification and employment authorization can be found on the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) that you received with your welcome letter.
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
- Driver's license or ID card issued by a federal, state, local government agencies, or outlying possession of the United States
- Social Security Card
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt (Form I-551)
Direct Deposit: If you are not an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) program participant, your salary will be deposited electronically to the financial institution of your choice, as required by Federal Law. You will need to fill out the direct deposit forms and return them on the second day of New Employee Orientation in order to ensure your first paycheck is deposited on time. Please note that you will need to have your bank's ABA number and your account number in order to complete the form. These numbers can typically be found on checks and deposit slips.
Tax Forms: Federal employees, not including IPAs, should bring completed Federal and State personal exemption tax forms or the information necessary to complete them on the second day at orientation. There will also be extra tax forms available for your use.
Your first day and a half at NSF will consist of New Employee Orientation (NEO). NEO will walk you through all the information you need to know to get started in your new position at NSF. Topics covered will include:
- NEW & NSF Culture
- Safety, Security & Workplace Services
- Employee Relations
- Employee Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policies
- Information Systems and Services
- NSF Learning and Development Opportunities
- Equal Employment Opportunity Programs
- Work/Life Programs
- Employee Leave & Benefits (if applicable)
- New Employee paperwork
NEW, NSF's comprehensive onboarding program, is designed to help guide you throughout your first year at the Foundation. NSF is committed to seamlessly integrating new employees into the organization by providing you with the tools, resources, and knowledge you need to be fully successful and productive. From onboarding checklists to quarterly roundtable learning and networking events, our goal is to be prepared for your arrival and support you as a new employee. Review NSF's Onboarding Roadmap to give you a snapshot of the NEW Program and resources you will have at your fingertips throughout your first year. We look forward to supporting you during your transition and can be reached at new@nsf.gov with any questions as you begin your journey at NSF.