The Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) announces a nationwide search to fill the Program Director position for the Geomechanic and Geomaterials (GEOMM) and Geotechnical Engineering (GTE) Program. National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Directors are in charge of specific research areas. They solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations and administer awards. They are also responsible for interaction with other Federal Agencies, forming and guiding interagency collaborations, and for service to Foundation-wide activities. Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin May 18, 2009, and will continue until a selection is made.

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the Foundation’s overall mission to support innovative and merit-evaluated activities in fundamental research and education that contribute to the nation’s technological strength, security and welfare. The positions require a commitment to high standards of intellectualism and ethical conduct, a considerable breadth of interest, receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

Persons wishing to apply for this position are referred to the CMMI web page  for a description of the program. These persons are also encouraged to contact the current Program Director, who is identified on the program web page, for more information.

Qualifications of a successful candidate include a PhD degree in a relevant discipline, an established and recognized record of research and education in a field appropriate to the position, and managerial experience in academe, industry or government, plus six years of successful research and research administration. The position requires effective oral and written communication skills, and familiarity with NSF programs and activities is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to function effectively both as an individual within the specific NSF program and as a member of crosscutting and interactive teams. The incumbent must also demonstrate a capability to work across government agencies to promote NSF activities and to leverage program funds through interagency collaborations.

It is expected that this position will be filled as: Visiting Scientist, Engineer or Educator (VSEE) Appointment — A VSEE appointment will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Visiting Scientists are on non-paid leave status from their home institution and placed on the NSF 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. This appointment will be made for one year.

Applicants should indicate in their cover letter that they are applying to the Geomechanic and Geomaterials (GEOMM) and Geotechnical Engineering (GTE) Position. Please submit your application to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail to:

Dr. Dennis Wenger,
CMMI Program Director Search Committee
Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
Directorate for Engineering
National Science Foundation
Room 545
Arlington, VA 22230