NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
                           4201 WILSON BOULEVARD
                            ARLINGTON, VA 22230
                                     



Title:    Division of Chemistry (CHE) Program Directors
            Employment Opportunities--Dear Colleague Letter

Date:    March 11, 2003

Dear Colleague:

The Division of Chemistry (CHE) announces a nationwide search for a number
of Program Director positions at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the
Agency's overall mission: to support innovative and merit-reviewed
activities in basic research and education that contribute to the nation’s
technical strength, security, and welfare.  To discharge this
responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines,
but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest
and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment,
and a high degree of personal integrity.

Qualification requirements include a Ph.D. or equivalent professional
experience in chemistry or allied disciplines, plus six or more years of
successful research, research administration and/or substantial managerial
experience in academe, industry, or government.  Also desirable is
knowledge of the general scientific community, skill in written
communication and preparation of technical reports, an ability to
communicate orally, and several years of successful independent research of
the kind normally expected of the academic rank of associate professor or
higher. All appointees are expected to function effectively both within
specific programs, as well as in a team mode, contributing to and
coordinating with organizations in the Directorate, across the Foundation,
and with other Federal and State government agencies and private-sector
organizations.  Chemistry research and education areas supported by the
Division include organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical
chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry and chemistry education.
Periodic assignments to leadership of interdivisional, inter-directorate
and interagency programs may be made. We are particularly interested in
attracting women and underrepresented minority candidates to these
positions.

Program Director positions recruited under this announcement may be filled
under one of the following appointment options:

  ·    Visiting Scientist Appointment.  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 appointed to NSF’s
     payroll as Federal employees.  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 up
     to one year and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.
  
  ·    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 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.
  

  ·    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, life insurance) are applicable for appointments of more than one
     year.  Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.
     
For additional information on NSF’s rotational programs, please see
“Programs for Scientists, Engineers and Educators” on the NSF website at
www.nsf.gov/jobs.

Applications and questions concerning Program Director positions should be
directed to:

          Dr. Arthur B. Ellis, Director
          Division of Chemistry
          National Science Foundation
          4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1055
          Arlington, Virginia  22230
          Phone: 703/292- 4960
          Fax: 703/292-9037
          aellis@nsf.gov




   NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING A HIGHLY
        QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.