Opportunities to Advance Astronomy at the NSF

The Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) finds itself in the rare situation of being able to hire for multiple Program Director positions at the same time, both permanent staff and “rotators” who come for 1-4 years, providing us with an opportunity to increase the diversity of our already excellent team in multiple areas of expertise. We have been extremely fortunate to have had exceptional Program Directors over the years, and as people retire and/or move on to other opportunities, we are looking for individuals who will bring the same qualities of commitment to the mission of the Division and the Foundation. Permanent program officers and rotators have commonly taken the lead on significant portions of the AST grants program, or even coordinated the entire individual investigator program for AST, and there may also be opportunities for oversight of facilities in operations or under construction.

The mission of AST is to support forefront research in ground-based astronomy; to help ensure the scientific excellence of the US astronomical community; to provide access to world-class research facilities through merit review; to support the development of new instrumentation and next-generation facilities; and to encourage broad understanding of the astronomical sciences by a diverse population of scientists, policy makers, educators, and the public at large. The Division supports research in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics as well as related multidisciplinary studies. Because of the scale of modern astronomical research, the Division engages in numerous interagency and international collaborations. Areas of emphasis and the priorities of specific programs are guided by community recommendations, which have been developed and transmitted by National Research Council (NRC) decadal surveys and by federal advisory committees. In the near term, AST will be developing strategies in response to the recent NRC study on the ground-based optical/infrared telescope system and the upcoming NRC mid-decadal survey.

The type of individual we seek is a rare commodity, and it often happens that the best Program Directors are persons of talent who find themselves at a stage of career and life in which the idea of stewarding the broader community is very attractive. Program directors can remain active in their own research and professional activities, and this would be encouraged, though not required. We ask that you take 15 minutes and think about being a Program Director for AST at NSF. You would be responsible for stewarding the astronomical field to keep it as dynamic and potent as possible; and you would be a voice of AST in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate at the NSF, the NSF as a whole, and in various interagency and community settings. You would interact with the community regularly on all matters relating to research and/or facility support, including both developing a vision for the future and addressing the challenges and difficulties that invariably arise from year to year.

If this sounds like an opportunity that you would welcome, please take a look at the links to four items that pertain to this announcement:

• The AST presentation at the January 2015 NSF Town Hall during the American Astronomical Society meeting for more information about who we are and what we do.
• A Dear Colleague Letter announcing the opportunity for Program Directors who are rotators.
• An announcement of opportunity for a Program Director specifically in Electromagnetic Spectrum Management (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/403487000?org=AST and/or https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/403489300?org=AST).
• An announcement of opportunity for other Program Directors (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/403688300?org=AST and/or https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/403689100?org=AST).   

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone (703-292-4896) if you have any questions. Note that for the latter two positions, individuals can apply for permanent positions (first URL link for each position) and/or for temporary positions (second link for each position). 

Review of applications begins 17 June.