Science Analyst

Summary

The National Science Foundation is seeking a qualified candidate for a Science Analyst position for the Arctic Sciences Section (ARC) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), Office of Polar Programs (OPP) in Alexandria, VA.

• For more information on GEO please click here.
• For more information on OPP please click here.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US citizens who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. Please see the “Other Information” section for further information.

Duties

The NSF science analyst works with program officers and/or senior staff to provide an integrated and responsible effort for a research program or an area of a research program. The goals and core strategies of NSF’s Strategic Plan set the framework for all activities. The goals are (1) to enable the
United States to uphold a position of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, and engineering, (2) to promote the dissemination and employment of new knowledge in service to society, and (3) achieve excellence in U.S. science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships.

Generically, a science analyst is involved in a range of activities, for example, planning, budget development, the merit review and proposal recommendation processes, the preparation of written material about the research areas supported, and liaison with other NSF programs, Federal agencies, and organizations.

The Science Analyst – Executive Secretary of IARPC supports the creation and implementation of the Arctic Research Plan and promotes collaboration among federal agencies focused on or supporting Arctic research. The Executive Secretary supports coordination among the federal IARPC members, the US Arctic Research Commission (USARC), and the Arctic Executive Steering Committee (AESC) and maintains collaboration with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and other White House and federal interagency bodies, such as Department of State’s Arctic Policy Group (APG).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The OPP/ARC science analyst contributes to the efforts of the OPP Arctic Sciences Section under the leadership of the Section Head and Program Officers. The science analyst primarily serves as the Executive Secretary for the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), of which NSF is the lead among eighteen federal agencies. The NSF Director chairs the IARPC Principals, representing senior leadership from the other IARPC agencies. Other intra- and inter-agency duties are performed as assigned. Work falls under three broad categories: external liaison and communication, program and project planning and management, and professional development. The Executive Secretary works closely with the IARPC Executive Director within OSTP and leads the Secretariat (contracted staff) to promote communication and coordination among federal agencies regarding federally-funded research activities in the Arctic. The Executive Secretary also facilitates transparency of federal Arctic research programs by promoting dissemination of research results and by developing and maintaining relationships with non-federal organizations with interests in federally-funded Arctic activities, including the State of Alaska, northern residents, local agencies, tribal entities, and international bodies. The Executive Secretary ensures that IARPC continues to thrive as an interagency coordination group and complies with the requirements of the Arctic Research Policy Act of 1984,as amended, including developing and implementing the Arctic Research Plan and biennial reporting.

EXTERNAL LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION

• Communicates effectively both internally and externally to NSF in written and oral form.
• Actively and effectively represents GEO/OPP internally and externally. Works effectively
• and collaboratively with other members in these groups to advance NSF’s or government’s goals. Maintains linkages to other NSF units and other Federal agencies to form and sustain outreach partnerships and collaborations outside of OPP and NSF.
• Actively and effectively participates in NSF-wide initiatives and priority areas by undertaking planning and programmatic responsibilities for crosscutting activities. Provides information to and coordinates with other elements of NSF, other agencies, industry, the scientific community, the international community, and the public concerning assigned activities.
• Assists with preparing and disseminating a variety of informational documents, to include brochures and branding materials for outreach activities, newsletters, and website content.
• Specific to the Executive Secretary role – Coordination with NSTC Sub-bodies
  • Leads on all IARPC matters pertaining to the NSTC, in coordination with the IARPC Executive Director, who serves as the IARPC liaison to the NSTC within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
  • Work with Executive Secretaries of other NSTC bodies such as the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST), U.S. Group on Earth Observations (USGEO), & Subcommittee on Indigenous Knowledge to hold periodic meetings of the Executive Directors and Executive Secretaries of these bodies to share information and ideas.

Requirements
Conditions of Employment

This position is outside the competitive civil service.

You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3403.

The Selected Candidate(s) may be subject to a background investigation.