U.S. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
2415 EISENHOWER AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314
Dear Colleague:
The National Science Foundation is beginning a national search for the Assistant Director for Geosciences (GEO). We ask for your help in identifying visionary candidates to lead the Directorate during the coming years. The new Assistant Director (AD) will succeed Dr. Alexandra Isern, who has served with distinction in this position since July 19, 2021. The incoming AD will have similar opportunities to shape future research and workforce development in the geosciences and to lead GEO as a key participant in exciting new developments in the Foundation.
The Assistant Director, GEO, leads a Directorate of five units — Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS); Earth Sciences (EAR); Ocean Sciences (OCE); Research, Innovation, Synergies, and Education (RISE) — and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). The Directorate's portfolio encompasses a broad range of geosciences with a total budget of approximately $1.5 billion. The attached information sheet summarizes the Directorate's activities, the responsibilities of the position, and the criteria for the search.
I am pleased that Dr. Timothy Killeen, President of the University of Illinois System, will chair the search committee. The Committee consists of these confirmed members:
- Dr. Dorota Grejner-Brzezinska, Vice President for Knowledge Enterprise, The Ohio State University, and member of the National Science Board;
- Dr. Margaret Leinen, Director, Scripps Institute of Oceanography;
- Dr. Peter de Menocal, President and Director, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute;
- Dr. Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, Professor and Associate Dean, Department of Geosciences and Petroleum Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology; and
- Dr. Ben van der Pluijm, Bruce R. Clark Professor of Geology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.
The Committee and I seek your help in identifying candidates who are outstanding leaders, have a deep sense of scholarship, and understand the issues facing the geosciences community, particularly in education, innovation, facilities, and fundamental research. Candidates must also have the skills and temperament to serve effectively as a key member of the NSF executive leadership team, working with the NSF Director and other Assistant Directors on interdisciplinary activities. The Geosciences AD also interacts with the executive and legislative branches of government and must be able to communicate effectively with leaders of business and industry as well as with the philanthropic community.
Employment in the position may be on a permanent basis in the Federal Service or by temporary assignment under provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). The candidate must be able to acquire and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance. We welcome recommendations of individuals from any sector, including academia, industry, and government. The National Science Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to engaging a highly qualified staff that reflects the diversity of our nation.
Candidates interested in a Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment must apply online via USAJobs (vacancy announcement GEO-EXEC-2024-0004). Please send your recommendations, including any supporting information that you might be able to provide, to the AD/GEO Search Committee via e-mail to geosrch@nsf.gov or at the following address: National Science Foundation, Office of the Director, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22314. Please submit your recommendations by August 14, 2024.
Thank you for your help with this important task.
Sincerely, /// signed /// Sethuraman Panchanathan
Director
Enclosures
[Overview of the Directorate for Geosciences]