Biological Science Administrator (Program Director)

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Job Summary

The National Science Foundation’s Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS), Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Director positionin its Animal Behavior program in the Behavioral Systems Cluster (BSC). More information about theBSC cluster can be found here.

Major Duties

BSC supports a broad research portfolio in integrative animal behavior to understand how and why individuals and groups of animals do what they do in nature. This includes species specific and comparative studies as well as modeling and theoretical approaches to discover and explore the evolution of behavior, the overarching principles of behavior, the mechanisms of behavior, and to advance a fully integrated understanding of the complex behavioral phenotype across all levels of organization from genotypes, through underlying physiological controls, to ecosystems.

We seek candidates with a broad background in integrative organismal biology focused on behavior across levels of organization and contexts. BSC program directors frequently collaborate with those in other programs across the Division and Directorate. Candidates whose research makes connections to other areas within the Division and Directorate such as genetics, physiology, neuroscience, ecology and evolution are encouraged to apply.

As Program Director you are responsible for the management of research and other scientific activities primarily through Federal grants and contracts to: academic, non-profit, and non-academic institutions such as professional organizations and the private sector. You will be responsible for administration of the peer review process, making award recommendations and managing an effective, timely peer review process, ensuring broad participation of reviewers and increasing involvement of under-represented groups. You will process awards and declinations, contacting successful applicants prior to the award of the grant and unsuccessful applicants as necessary. You will also be responsible for encouraging and supporting integrative, synthetic, and interdisciplinary research involving the biological sciences. Additional duties and responsibilities include the following:

Managing program resources so as to insure: integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflict-of-interest; balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions; and participation of all qualified scientists. You will be responsible for planning and administration of programs within the framework of legislation, agency policies, missions, objectives, and resources. You will serve as spokesperson for the program to the scientific community. You will be responsible for long-range planning and budget development for the BSC.

Coordinating and serving as liaison with other programs in NSF and other Federal agencies and organizations. You will provide scientific expertise, evaluation and advice for other programs in NSF, including international programs, other research programs, and cross-directorate programs. You will maintain a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research and education enterprise either through Program, Division, Directorate, Foundation, or interagency activities.

Providing assistance to investigators whenever feasible. You will follow the progress of grantees through site visits, progress and fiscal reports, and correspondence.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Biology or a related field plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position after the award of the degree, or a master’s degree in Biology or a related field plus eight or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position after the award of the degree.

Highly desired attributes not included in the required qualifications above include: candidates who have a strong background using interdisciplinary approaches; familiarity with NSF policies and practices, administrative experience, and recognized stature among peers; and individuals with expertise in areas supported by the Behavioral Systems Cluster andfocused on animal research.

This position is outside of the competitive civil service.

Pay Range

$147,458.00 - $189,056.00

More information...

End Date: 

Thursday, February 13, 2020