The BCS Division supports research to develop and advance scientific knowledge about humans spanning areas of inquiry including brain, behavior, language, culture, origins, evolution, geography and environment. BCS programs consider proposals that fall squarely within disciplines, but they also encourage and support interdisciplinary projects. All programs in BCS consider proposals for research projects, conferences, and workshops. BCS participates in special initiatives and cross-directorate competitions on a number of topics including integrated socio-environmental systems, artificial intelligence, neurosciences, and information technology. There is also infrastructure support to improve data resources, data archives, collaboratories, and centers.

The GSS program supports basic research dealing with a variety of topics associated with geographic dimensions of human, physical, and biotic systems on the Earth. Investigations into the nature, causes, and consequences of human activity within particular places and spaces and extensions to regional and global spheres are especially encouraged. Projects examining a variety of domestic and international topics qualify for support if they show promise of contributing to scholarship by enhancing geographic knowledge, concepts, theories, and their application to societal problems and concerns.

The Program Director will have specific responsibilities that include the following:

• Articulate a vision for the future of the program and allocate program resources to maintain a balance of support to meet the field's needs and future development;
• Maintain an effective merit review system and post-award action process;
• Participate in one or more cross-cutting activities within the Foundation;
• Work cooperatively across the Division, Directorate, and Foundation, and with other agencies to accomplish the mission of NSF;
• Participate in interagency meetings, coordinating groups, special task groups, staff meetings, and site visits;
• Assess trends and opportunities in the field with assistance of advisory panels;
• Pursue affirmative action and EEO goals in selection of reviewers, panelists, and grantees;
• Represent the program to the scientific community and the public;
• Establish contacts and maintain active involvement in the program field through participation in meetings and conferences and by undertaking other relevant activities;
• Pursue a personal scholarly research agenda, with results presented at professional meetings and published in academic journals, as workload permits