Cybersecurity Advisor for Research Infrastructure

Office: the Director (OD)
Directorate: Office of the Director (OD)
Job Type:
Senior Executive/Leadership
Appointment Type:
Temporary / Rotator
This job is open to the public

Application timeline

Date Posted:
Closing date:

Position Summary

Dear Colleague:

The Office of the Chief Officer for Research Facilities (CORF) in the Office of the Director, announces a nationwide search to fill the position of Cybersecurity Advisor for Research Infrastructure through an assignment under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). The deadline for the submission of applications is November 15, 2022.

The CORF, assisted by a Deputy CORF, advises the Office of the Director on all aspects of major and mid-scale research infrastructure throughout their lifecycle, to include planning, development, design, construction, operations, and disposition, as well as portfolio planning. In April 2021, the CORF and Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy (CRSSP) commissioned a study by the JASON advisory group regarding cybersecurity at NSF’s major research facilities. The resulting report included seven recommendations aimed at ensuring the ability of NSF’s major facilities to provide high-quality data while mitigating potential cybersecurity threats. Among them was a recommendation to create a position, advertised here, for cybersecurity strategy and coordination for major facilities. The Cybersecurity Advisor for Research Infrastructure will work with both the CORF and CRSSP offices to develop a strategy for cybersecurity at NSF-funded research infrastructure, including implementation of the response to the recommendations of the JASON study.

 

Position Description

The incumbent works in collaboration with the CORF as well as the CRSSP to establish and implement an overall NSF strategy with respect to cybersecurity at NSF-funded research infrastructure during all lifecycle stages, including planning, development, design, construction, operations, and disposition.  The incumbent will oversee the implementation of risk-based assessment of cybersecurity at NSF’s major facilities as well as cybersecurity review requirements both in annual program reviews and in proposal reviews. In conjunction with the assessment for major facilities, the incumbent also will plan for a similar assessment for mid-scale research infrastructure. The incumbent will remain current on the evolving cybersecurity challenges to large research infrastructure and will lead the evolution of NSF programs and requirements to meet those challenges.

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. 

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 (1) a Ph.D. in science or engineering, plus after award of the Ph.D., three or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position; OR (2) a Bachelor’s or Master's degree in science or engineering, plus after award of the degree, five or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position. In addition, candidates should have knowledge of basic project management and oversight techniques, as well as the basic elements of cybersecurity and attendant risks.  Experience working in a leadership role in a science-related organization in an academic, non-governmental organization, federal government, military service, or business/industry environment, preferably associated with significant research infrastructure, is desired. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to lead development of strategic approaches to cybersecurity at diverse types of research infrastructure and translate those into resourced implementation plans. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills and a commitment to high standards of ethical conduct.

To apply, email a single PDF document that includes: 1) a cover letter explaining the reasons you are interested in the position, 2) a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, and 3) a Citizen Affidavit, if applicable. The cover letter should describe how your experiences fit with the position as described above (referencing the CV or resume).

Application Instructions:  Please submit a current CV accompanied by a cover letter or supplemental statement that addresses the qualification requirements of the position.  Applications should be transmitted electronically to execsrch@nsf.gov. The subject line of your email should note that the application is for the Cybersecurity Advisor for Research Infrastructure recruitment.

 

 

General professional inquiries should be directed to:

Dr. Linnea Avallone

Chief Officer for Research Facilities

Email: lavallon@nsf.gov

Phone: 703-292-4541

NSF is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Employing a Highly Qualified Staff that Reflects the Diversity of Our Nation.

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