Astronomer (ESM Program Director), MPS/AST, AD-1330-04 (Closes: 09/09/2016)

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Monday, August 1, 2016
Archive Date: 
Monday, August 29, 2016
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Science Management
Institution Classification/Type: 
Government Agency
Institution/Company: 
National Science Foundation
City: 
Arlington
State/Province: 
VA
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Program Director within the Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Unit (ESMU), Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST), Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), Arlington, VA. The objective of NSF’s ESMU is to ensure access by the scientific community to portions of the radio spectrum that are needed for research purposes. The ESMU staff members accomplish this objective by representing the interests of the NSF and the scientific community in various national and international regulatory bodies, including the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); and by communicating with the science community about spectrum-related issues that impact scientific use of the radio spectrum. ESMU staff members also are responsible for obtaining certification and frequency authorizations for radio systems operating under NSF control. ESMU provides spectrum management support for the entire NSF, including radio astronomy, remote sensing, satellite systems, oceanography, ionospheric and magnetospheric radars, and routine operational systems that require spectrum support. For more information about AST and its programs, please visit here.

The candidate selected for this position will be directly responsible for establishing an overall strategy for spectrum management within the NSF, setting NSF’s positions on a wide range of spectrum-related issues, and working within various national and international committees to further those positions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for making presentations at scientific conferences and to advisory bodies on spectrum-related issues, and will interface with government and private-sector spectrum-using entities to coordinate frequency use. Depending on the expertise of the successful candidate, the program director also may have the opportunity to assist in the program management of other programs within the Division of Astronomical Sciences.

This may include soliciting grant proposals, interfacing with current and prospective Principal Investigators (PIs), organizing and running proposal review panels, and making funding recommendations. Candidates for this position must possess a Ph.D (or equivalent degree) in a physical science, mathematics, geoscience, computer science, or electrical engineering field plus, after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of relevant research or work experience. Candidates must have a good working knowledge of wireless engineering, radio astronomy, or related disciplines. Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills are required, as is the ability to operate effectively in a complex regulatory environment with multiple governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level or above are required. Prior experience in radio spectrum management and experience in international negotiation and coordination are highly desired.

Quality Ranking Factors 1. Knowledge and understanding of radio-frequency engineering principles and terminology as demonstrated through work experience in the field of wireless communications, radio astronomy, radar studies, or remote sensing; prior coursework; professional publications or presentations in the field of radio-frequency engineering; or other relevant experience. 2. Experience in the field of radio spectrum management as evidenced by active participation in NTIA, FCC, CITEL, ITU, or related processes; by prior achievement of the Certified Spectrum Manager credential; or by other relevant experience in the allocation and use of radio-frequency assignments. 3. Participation in the community of scientists who make use of the radio-frequency spectrum for scientific investigations, as evidenced by relevant publications, collaborations, or other interactions. 4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within formal committee settings in national and international arenas. 5. Excellent written and spoken communications skills.

Included Benefits: 

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Application Deadline: 
Friday, September 9, 2016
Current Status of Position: 
No Status Given (Opted Out)
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Krystal Mendenhall
Title: 
Human Resource Assistant
Institution/Company: 
National Science Foundation
Street Line 1: 
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Street Line 2: 
City: 
Arlington
State/Province: 
VA
Zip/Postal Code: 
22230
Country: 
USA
Phone: 
703-292-4345
FAX: 
Inquiries About Job