RELOCATION AUTHORIZED

• No

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Background investigation.
• Preview questions at bottom of Qualifications & Evaluations--see tab above.

The candidate(s) selected for this position will be directly responsible for establishing NSF’s positions on a wide range of spectrum-related issues, and will work within various national and international committees to further those positions. The successful candidate(s) will also be responsible for making presentations at scientific conferences and advisory bodies on spectrum-related issues, and will interface with government and private-sector spectrum-using entities to coordinate frequency use. 

Although the primary focus of this position is on electromagnetic spectrum management, the selected candidate(s) may also be called on to assist or lead in managing portions of NSF’s “Enhancing Access to the Radio Spectrum” (EARS) grant program. EARS supports research into innovative ways to use and manage the electromagnetic spectrum for increased access, and is intended to be responsive to the Nation’s broadband goals. Program management of EARS may include soliciting grant proposals, interfacing with current and prospective Principal Investigators (PIs), organizing and running proposal review panels, and making funding recommendations. 

ESMU duties and responsibilities related to this position may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Representing the interests of the United States’ scientific community within international and regional telecommunications communities;
• Participating in and contribute to the U.S. preparatory process for ITU Study Groups and Working Parties;
• Participating in and contribute to ITU Working Parties and Study Groups;
• Participating in ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences and Conference Preparatory Meetings; and
  
• Participating in and contributing to regional coordination bodies, in particular the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL).

Representing the interests of the United States’ scientific community within the national telecommunications regulatory structure: 

• Representing the NSF at the NTIA’s Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee and its subcommittees;
• Serving as expert advisor and technical consultant to any element of the NSF and to other governmental organizations on the use of the electromagnetic spectrum for scientific research, particularly relative to electromagnetic spectrum management policy; and
  
• Representing NSF’s ESMU at conferences, workshops, outreach events, and within NSF itself, to explain the value of the radio spectrum for scientific and engineering research.

Providing spectrum support for NSF-funded projects and facilities:

• Preparing applications for NTIA spectrum certification of NSF-supported radio systems;
• Obtaining NTIA frequency authorizations for NSF-supported radio systems; and
  
• Interacting with NSF facility personnel and NSF-funded PIs to maintain a two-way dialog on current spectrum issues impacting NSF investments
• Negotiate and execute coordination agreements with third parties on behalf of NSF-funded facilities and projects.

International travel is required, typically for one week at a time three to four times per year, but occasionally for durations as long as five weeks to attend World Radiocommunication Conferences approximately every four years.

Duties related to managing the Enhancing Access to the Radio Spectrum (EARS) grant program may include: 

• Maintaining a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research and education enterprise either through program, division; directorate, Foundation, or interagency activities;
• Managing program resources so as to provide optimal appropriate scientific judgment to insure integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflict of interests, and with balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and participation of all qualified scientists. Incorporate cross-directorate responsibilities into program administration;
• Managing an effective, timely merit review process, with attention to increasing the size and quality of the reviewer pools and insuring participation by women, minorities and disabled scientists; and
• Planning the budget for the EARS program, considering past, present and future fiscal years; allocate resources within that budget so as to distribute scarce resources among the most compelling scientific proposals, and manage post-award evaluation.

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 and have a good working knowledge of wireless engineering principles and terminology.

Prior experience in radio spectrum management is highly desired. Fluency in Spanish is desirable but not required.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance at the secret level or above are required.

Please preview "Evaluations" section and "Qualifications" for additional requirements and Quality Ranking Factors.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You will be evaluated on the extent and quality of your experience, expertise, education, and research activities relevant to the duties of the position. We strongly encourage you to specifically address the Quality Ranking Factors below. This will ensure that you receive full consideration in the evaluation process.

Quality Ranking Factors

1. Knowledge of RF engineering principles and terminology as demonstrated through work experience in the field of wireless communications, prior coursework, professional publications or presentations in the field of RF engineering, or other relevant experience.
2. Experience in the field of radio spectrum management as evidenced by active participation in the NTIA, FCC, CITEL, and/or ITU 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. Experience in the process of evaluating scientific and technical publications and proposals, as evidenced by providing refereeing services for peer-reviewed journals, participating in grant proposal review, and other similar activities. Prior experience on an NSF review panel is helpful.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively within formal committee settings in national and international arenas.
5. Excellent spoken and written communications skills.