Engineering/Science Analyst

Division: Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (ENG/CMMI)
Directorate: Engineering (ENG)
Job Type:
Program Administration
Appointment Type:
Temporary / Rotator

Application timeline

Date Posted:
Closing date: Open until filled

Position Description

The Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) announces a nationwide search to fill an Engineering/Science Analyst position. Formal considerations will begin May 24, 2019 and will continue until a selection is made.

NSF promotes the progress of science, mathematics and engineering through the support of fundamental research and education. Engineering/Science Analysts have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to help ensure that NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. The Engineering Directorate invests specifically in research and education that enables discovery and advances engineering knowledge. NSF investments through the Engineering directorate aim to build the nation's capacity for innovation that can lead over time to the creation of new shared wealth and a better quality of life. Engineering/Science Analysts 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.

We are seeking an analyst to provide analysis of engineering and scientific issues in support for activities and programs within the CMMI division. This includes support for policy and process decision-making, portfolio analysis and assistance with outreach activities. These activities may involve interactions with staff across the CMMI division and the ENG directorate as well as other NSF directorates.

The successful candidate will possess:

  • In-depth knowledge and expertise in technical areas of concern to the CMMI Division, and engineering and science policy, with an ability to gather, evaluate, analyze and synthesize engineering and scientific data
  • An ability to compile, collect, arrange and organize data and to prepare tables, charts, graphs, summaries, and other materials for effective presentation of research results and for inclusion in publications.
  • Knowledge of computer systems, methods and applications, including application of commercial statistical and data management software packages for database management, data compilation and processing, coding and statistical analysis.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact with senior engineers, scientists, and researchers
  •  An ability to present highlights of cutting edge science and engineering research in a form that is understandable by the general public

The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option(s):

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.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs.  Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. https://www.nsf.gov/careers/Definition-of-Foreign-Talent-HRM.pdf.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. Citizens. Recent changes in Federal Appropriations Law require Non-Citizens to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered. Therefore, Non-Citizens must certify eligibility by signing and attaching this Citizenship Affidavit to their application. Non-Citizens who do not provide the affidavit at the time of application will not be considered eligible. Non-Citizens are not eligible for positions requiring a security clearance.

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in mechanical, civil or industrial engineering or a related field, and practical experience in an area appropriate to the CMMI research community; OR a Master's Degree in mechanical, civil or industrial engineering plus, after award of the Master's Degree, two or more years of research, research administration, or equivalent experience.

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, to Dr. Mary M. Toney (mtoney@nsf.gov). Applicants should indicate in their cover letter that they are applying for the Engineering/Science Analyst position. Applications could also be sent to:

CMMI Engineering/Science Analyst Search Committee
Mary M. Toney, Ph.D.
National Science Foundation
Directorate for Engineering
Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
2415 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22314