The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking qualified candidates for a Computer Scientist (Program Director) position for the Algorithmic Foundations Program within the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF) in Alexandria, VA. For more information on CISE please click here. For more information on CCF please click here.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or closely related field plus after award of the Ph.D., six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the position.
CISE's mission is to enable the U.S. to uphold its leadership in computing, communications, and information science and engineering; promote understanding of the principles and uses of advanced computing, communications, and information systems in service to society; support advanced cyberinfrastructure that enables and accelerates discovery and innovation across all science and engineering disciplines; and contribute to universal, transparent, and affordable participation in an information-based society. This position is located in the Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF) within the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). CCF's mission is to inspire, challenge and sustain the CISE foundations research community by developing and directing funding programs that (1) support research and education on the mathematical, scientific and technological foundations of computing, information, and communications, and (2) use fair, transparent and informed project-selection mechanisms honoring both the letter and the spirit of NSF policies and guidelines. The responsibilities of the NSF program officer are guided by the goals of NSF's Strategic Plan: to empower STEM talent to fully participate in science and engineering; to create new knowledge about our universe, the world and ourselves; to benefit society by translating knowledge into solutions; and to excel at NSF operations and management. To achieve these goals, NSF staff employ core strategies including developing intellectual capital, strengthening research infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships. Specifically, we are looking for a candidate to fill the position in the following program areas: Algorithmic Foundations Program The Algorithmic Foundations program supports research characterized by algorithmic thinking accompanied by rigorous mathematical analysis. The goal is to understand the fundamental limits of resource-bounded computation and to obtain optimal solutions within those limits. Specifically, the time and space complexity of finding exact and approximate solutions in deterministic and randomized models of computation are the central concern of the program. Resources other than time and space, such as communication, heat, power, etc., are also of interest. In addition to the traditional, sequential computing paradigm, research on models such as the streaming, parallel, distributed, hybrid, and the quantum-computing model are welcomed. Such research includes optimizations across complex processor/memory hierarchies as well as the measurement of the performance of algorithms by correct, reproducible computational experiments. Theories that exploit algorithmic scalability and portability are especially welcome. Candidates with experience in one or more of these areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Major Duties and Responsibilities Program Planning and Management Advises and assists the Division Director in the development of long-range plans that ensure ClSE investments are targeted to cutting-edge challenges and opportunities in CISE research and education fields. Collaboratively oversees and manages the merit review process for assigned research, education infrastructure proposals to ensure that investments are made in a diverse, rich mix of bold, cutting-edge projects that promise to advance the frontier and contribute to the attainment of NSF' s strategic goals. Manages an effective, timely review process with attention to increasing the size and quality of the reviewer pools and ensuring participation by groups long under-represented in CISE fields, such as women, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Native Pacific Islanders, and persons with disabilities. Oversees and manages the post-award management process for awards in the program, including reviewing annual reports, conducting effective, timely site visits, and overseeing a post-award evaluation process, where necessary. Communication, Coordination and Liaison Prepares program solicitations, annual program reports, oral presentations and other materials consistent with NSF, CISE, and CCF strategic goals and that inform internal and external stakeholders. Coordinates and liaisons within NSF and with other Federal agencies, industry, the scientific community, the international community, and the public concerning assigned activities. Participates in both in-reach and outreach activities that seek to broaden the participation of communities underrepresented in CCF, CISE, and NSF activities.