Biological Science Administrator (Program Director), Division of Biological Infrastructure, Directorate for Biological Sciences, AD-0401-04 (Closes: 1/13/2014)

The responsibilities of the NSF Program Director are constantly evolving. The Program Director is guided by the goals of NSF's Strategic Plan: (1) enable the United States to uphold a position of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, and engineering, (2) promote the discovery, integration, dissemination, and employment of new knowledge in service to society, and (3) achieve excellence in U.S. science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels. The core strategies NSF staff employ include developing intellectual capital, strengthening the physical infrastructure, integrating research and education, and promoting partnerships.

Responsibilities of the Program Director include, for example, long-range planning and budget development for the areas of science represented by the program or program cluster, the administration of the merit review process and proposal recommendations, the preparation of press releases, feature articles and material describing advances in the research supported, and coordination and liaison with other programs in NSF, other Federal agencies and organizations.

Additional duties and responsibilities include the following:

PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
Maintains a healthy balance of support for all the needs of the research and education enterprise through program, division, directorate, Foundation, or interagency activities. Manages program resources to provide optimal appropriate scientific judgment to insure integrity and consistency in the grant/declination process without conflicts of interest, and with balance among appropriate sub-fields and institutions, and participation of all qualified scientists. Manages 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.Provides scientific expertise, evaluation and advice for other programs in NSF, including international programs, and other research programs, and cross-directorate programs.Advises and assists in the development of short-and-long range plans, establishing goals and objectives for support of research programs. Plans the budget for the program considering past, present and future fiscal years, allocates resources within the budget by distributing scarce resources among competitive projects, and manages post-award evaluation.Controls waste, fraud and abuse. REPRESENTATION, COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP Represents the Program, Division and the Foundation within the scientific community, with other NSF Divisions, with other appropriate agencies and organizations, and with the public, accurately reflecting NSF policy and positions.Creates and maintains linkages to other NSF units and other Federal agencies in pursuit of the overall NSF mission.Participates in staff, panel, committee and other meetings, providing input relevant to program area and/or Division.Pursues affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) goals.Pursues and/or is responsive to assignment on special projects and temporary function teams across the Foundation to solve problems, improve staff communication, and effect coordination for special programs.Contributes ideas and effort to improving the quality of policies and NSF's performance of the overall mission. Prepares and disseminates a variety of informational documents which may include data on progress being made toward NSF goals, trends and opportunities papers, and budget plans.PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Establishes contacts and maintains active involvement in Program and related areas through participation in professional activities.Maintains familiarity with salient current research developments. Pursues individual research as workload and travel funds permit.Expands administrative capabilities through training courses or assumption of new management.

View the original article here

Dear Colleague Letter - Employment Opportunity for Broadening Participation in Engineering Program Director, Engineering Education and Centers Division (EEC)

EEC 13-001

Dear Colleague Letter - Employment Opportunity for Broadening Participation in Engineering Program Director, Engineering Education and Centers Division (EEC)

Date: March 14, 2013

The Engineering Education and Centers Division (EEC) in the Directorate for Engineering (ENG), announces a nationwide search for an individual to serve as Program Director for the Broadening Participation in Engineering Program (BPE). The rotational assignment will be made for one year, and it may be extended for additional years by mutual agreement. Formal consideration of interested applicants will begin April 1, 2013 and will continue until a selection is made. The selected applicant is expected to start between July 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013.

Through its funding portfolio, the BPE Program focuses on effective means of creating diverse pathways to engineering careers for all members of society, particularly those currently under-represented in the engineering workforce. The objective of the program is to improve the quality and diversity of the engineering workforce through targeted, systemic investments that achieve demonstrable short term and long term impact. The selected individual is expected to:

Develop the ENG broadening participation strategy to maximize the impact of ENG investments.Solicit, review, and effectively manage a portfolio of awards in broadening participation.Work with other experts internal and external to NSF to evaluate the long term impact of ENG’s broadening participation portfolio.Serve as a resource for ENG through their expertise on current scholarship and research for effective broadening participation strategies.Work closely with other program officers and administrative staff across the Engineering Directorate on methods to improve existing review, outreach, and other efforts to meet NSF goals of broadening participation.Participate in intra- and inter-agency broadening participation workgroups, as appropriate, to effectively leverage ENG investments

NSF Program Directors bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the overall mission of the agency. To discharge this responsibility requires not only knowledge in the appropriate disciplines, but also a commitment to high standards, a considerable breadth of interest and receptivity to new ideas, a strong sense of fairness, good judgment, and a high degree of personal integrity.

Required qualifications include a Ph.D. degree or equivalent professional experience in an engineering discipline, plus six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience in academe, industry, or government. The appointee is expected to have knowledge of research in an engineering discipline as well as the scholarship of broadening participation as evidenced by leading research efforts, scholarly publications in this area or other relevant measures. Experience in managing programs that enhance the recruitment, retention and successful career development of underrepresented groups in engineering and related disciplines is highly desirable. Leadership experience in engineering education or broadening participation efforts (departmental, college, university, societies, journals, etc.) is required. In addition, demonstrated achievements in classroom teaching and student advising are important attributes for the successful applicant. Also desirable are knowledge of the general scientific and engineering community and strong skills in written and oral communication. The appointee is expected to function effectively both within specific programs and as part of a team, contributing to and coordinating with offices throughout NSF and with other Federal and state government agencies and private sector organizations. The National Science Foundation especially encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities, as well as individuals from Minority Serving Institutions.

This position may be filled through one of the following appointment options:

Intergovernmental Personnel Assignment (IPA) Act: Individuals eligible for an IPA assignment with a Federal agency include employees of State and local government agencies or institutions of higher education, Indian tribal governments, and other eligible organizations in instances where such assignments would be of mutual benefit to the organizations involved. Initial assignments under IPA provisions may be made for a period up to two years, with a possible extension for up to an additional two-year period. The individual remains an employee of the home institution and NSF provides the negotiated funding toward the assignee's salary and benefits. Initial IPA assignments are made for a one-year period and may be extended by mutual agreement.

Visiting Scientist Appointment: Appointment to this position 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. 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. Appointments are usually made for a one-year period and may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement.

Temporary Excepted Service Appointment: Appointment to this position will be made under the Excepted Authority of the NSF Act. Candidates who do not have civil service or reinstatement eligibility will not obtain civil service status if selected. Candidates currently in the competitive service will be required to waive competitive civil service rights if selected. Usual civil service benefits (retirement, health benefits, and life insurance) are applicable for appointments of more than one year. Temporary appointments may not exceed three years.

For additional information on NSF's rotator programs, please visit http://www.nsf.gov/about/career_opps/rotators/.

Applications will be accepted from US Citizens. Due to a recent change in Federal Appropriations Law, only Non-Citizens who are permanent US residents and actively seeking citizenship can be considered for Federal appointments (i.e., Visiting Scientists, Engineers and Educators (VSEE) program, Temporary Excepted Service). Therefore, you are required to provide documentation that confirms you are actively seeking citizenship at the time you submit your application. Non-citizens who do not provide documentation will be considered only for the IPA program.

Individuals interested in applying for this Program Director position should send a current CV and statement of interest to:

Engineering Education and Centers Division
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 585
Arlington, VA 22230
Phone: 703-292-8380
Attn: Dr. Theresa Maldonado, Division Director
Email: tmaldona@nsf.gov

NSF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO EMPLOYING
A HIGHLY QUALIFIED STAFF THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF OUR NATION.

View the original article here

Champlain: Best Cyber Security Higher Ed Program in the U.S.A.

We have been waiting anxiously for this moment since December, and we are excited and proud to announce that we won!

SC Magazine named Champlain College the Best Cyber Security Higher Education Program in the United States last night at their annual awards ceremony in San Francisco, CA.

We originally wrote about this award in December when we received word we were one of four finalists. The other three finalists were the University of Maryland University College, Kennesaw State University, and Iowa State University.

Congratulations to all our faculty, staff, students and graduates who have made our programs a national leader in this field!

This national award is given to "The best cyber security undergraduate or higher education program which currently has a cyber security degree program. These are for schools throughout the United States and qualification is based on the quality of instruction, programs and how well these prepare students for the marketplace."

Champlain College has been educating digital forensics and information security students since 2002. The college was one of the first colleges in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in digital forensics and information security, it was also one of the first (if not the very first) to offer that degree 100% online. Since that time we have expanded our portfolio to include two Master’s degree programs in Digital Forensics, also available 100% online. Champlain also has a partnership with ISFCE which allows us to offer a CCE Bootcamp to our students, online or on our campus, prepping them to sit for the CCE exam upon completion.

Champlain College is recognized by the National Institute of Justice, which identified our digital forensics degrees as Model Electronic Crime and Digital Investigation Programs, and the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security which designated Champlain as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Champlain has proudly held those honors since 2004 and 2007 respectively.

Now in its 16th year, the SC Awards showcase the best solutions, services and professionals while recognizing achievement and technical excellence. SC Magazine distinguishes the achievements of the security professionals in the field, the innovations happening in the vendor and service provider communities and the fervent work of government, commercial and nonprofits. 

View the original article here

Finalist for Best Cyber Security Higher Education Program!

We are VERY proud, and very excited, to announce that Champlain College has been named a 2013 SC Awards finalist in SC Magazine's Best Cyber Security Higher Education Program category. The winner will be announced on February 26; it is going to be a long 2 1/2 months!

This national award is given to "The best cyber security undergraduate or higher education program which currently has a cyber security degree program. These are for schools throughout the United States and qualification is based on the quality of instruction, programs and how well these prepare students for the marketplace."

Champlain College has been educating digital forensics and information security students since 2002. The college was one of the first colleges in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in digital forensics and information security, it was also one of the first (if not the very first) to offer that degree 100% online. Since that time we have expanded our portfolio to include two Master’s degree programs in Digital Forensics, also available 100% online. Champlain also has a partnership with ISFCE which allows us to offer a CCE Bootcamp to our students, online or on our campus, prepping them to sit for the CCE exam upon completion.

Champlain College is recognized by the National Institute of Justice, which identified our digital forensics degrees as Model Electronic Crime and Digital Investigation Programs, and the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security which designated Champlain as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. Champlain has proudly held those honors since 2004 and 2007 respectively.

Now in its 16th year, the SC Awards showcase the best solutions, services and professionals while recognizing achievement and technical excellence. SC Magazine distinguishes the achievements of the security professionals in the field, the innovations happening in the vendor and service provider communities and the fervent work of government, commercial and nonprofits.

Congratulations to all our faculty, staff, students and graduates who have made our programs a national leader in this field!

View the original article here

Program Director Named Fellow of ACHE

Michael has been named a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the nation's leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

Michael is program director and assistant professor of the healthcare administration and technology programs in the Division of Continuing Professional Studies. In his role Michael oversees the online bachelor's and master's degree programs in healthcare administration and health information technology.

What is a Fellow? According to ACHE "Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 6,500 healthcare executives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits and demonstrating professional/community involvement. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years."

View the original article here

[News & Analysis] Has Program to Rotate Scientists at NSF Spun Out of Control?

Science 8 November 2013:
Vol. 342 no. 6159 p. 683
DOI: 10.1126/science.342.6159.683-b A program that brings scientists temporarily to the National Science Foundation keeps the agency on the cutting-edge of scientific discovery. But members of Congress and the foundation's inspector general have raised several questions about how the program operates. And the scientists themselves lack the usual workplace protections, as one recent rotator discovered to her misfortune.

View the original article here

Win $1,000 with the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens

For Immediate Release
Tue, 10/29/2013

CHICAGO — YALSA members who have run an exceptional reading or literature program in the 12 months leading up to Dec. 1, 2013 are eligible to apply for the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens, which recognizes an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults.

Do you run a spectacular teen book club that engages underserved audiences? Did your summer reading program or literature festival connect teens with literature in an innovative way? Have you connected teens to literature or helped them gain literacy skills via some other exciting means?  If so, you could win $500 for yourself and an additional $500 for your library by applying for award.  Individual library branches may apply.

The MAE Award is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust. Applications and additional information about the award are available online.  Applications must be submitted online by Dec. 1, 2013. For questions about the award, please contact the jury chair, Laurie Amster-Burton (laurieab@gmail.com).  The winner will be announced the week of Feb. 9, 2014.

Not a member of YALSA yet? It's not too late to join so you can be eligible for this award. You can do so by contacting YALSA’s Membership Marketing Specialist, Letitia Smith, at lsmith@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390. Recognize the great work you are doing to bring teens together with literature and apply today.

For more than 50 years, YALSA has worked to build the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens.  For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390, or e-mail, yalsa@ala.org.

View the original article here

Harry Potter Alliance’s Andrew Slack in President’s Program at ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits

Subscribe

(Click for full-size)

For Immediate Release
Tue, 10/22/2013

CHICAGO — High-demand speaker and energetic activist Andrew Slack offers ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits attendees an outstanding opportunity to learn more about his work and how he sees it relating to libraries and their role in the community.  Co-founder and executive director of the Harry Potter Alliance, Slack is currently developing the Imagine Better Network - "an unprecedented movement that goes beyond Harry Potter to all fandoms so that fantasy is no longer an escape from our world, but an invitation to change it for the better." Slack will be welcomed by Barbara K. Stripling at the ALA President’s Program from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Under Slack’s leadership, the Harry Potter Alliance has created more than 170 chapters in schools and communities (and soon libraries) across the U.S. and world. These chapters and hundreds of thousands of members have built libraries, sent five cargo planes to Haiti and made great strides in both human rights and equality-based advocacy. As a Nathan Cummings Foundation Fellow for his innovation in social justice work, Slack is spending one year in New York City developing the Imagine Better Network. He has been profiled in Fast Company, NPR, NYT and the front cover of Forbes.com and written for both the LA Times and CNN. He’s given two TEDx talk and served as a keynote speaker at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum.

The Harry Potter Alliance is a coalition of fandom leaders and members who feel passionate about the power of story to inspire and affect social change. Just as Harry and his friends fought the Dark Arts in J.K. Rowling’s fictional universe, they “strive to destroy real-world horcruxes like inequality, illiteracy, and human rights violations.” Look for the Harry Potter Alliance booth in the Exhibit Hall (details available closer to January).

ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits. The conversation starts here …

Registration and housing for ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits are open at http://www.alamidwinter.org.

Stay in touch and get updates at the Midwinter website, by tracking the tag-- #alamw14, by joining the Facebook Event, or on Tumblr and Pinterest.

Make your case for attending!

View the original article here

Obama administration renews aviation biofuel program

Crew prepare a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 aircraft before the world's first commercial biofuel flight to Amsterdam from Heathrow Airport in London February 24, 2008.

Credit: Reuters/Luke MacGregor

By Ayesha Rascoe

WASHINGTON | Mon Apr 15, 2013 7:10pm EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration on Monday renewed an interagency agreement that backs the development of biofuels for the aviation industry and reiterated its support for embattled federal renewable fuel targets.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed a pact extending a program that has worked with the private sector and rural communities to create an alternative to fossil fuels for aviation.

"We want to re-affirm the importance of this particular industry in this administration," Vilsack told reporters at an industry conference in Washington.

The "Farm to Fly" program aims to support annual production of 1 billion gallons of aviation biofuels by 2018.

The program will focus on evaluating various sources of renewable alternatives to jet fuel, while also developing state and local partnerships with private companies.

Federal support for biofuels has come under increased scrutiny amid complaints from livestock producers and refiners that the federal biofuels mandate has contributed to higher food prices and could threaten gasoline supplies.

Last week, lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced legislation that would eliminate the corn-based ethanol portion of the mandate, which requires increasing amounts of renewable fuels to blended into U.S. gasoline and diesel supplies.

The Obama administration's support for the mandate could block attempts to curtail the targets, though, especially as most lawmakers from major grain-producing states oppose any limits on the mandate.

Vilsack encouraged the biofuel industry representatives to remain "vigilant" in support of the mandate.

"There are industries and folks who are deeply concerned about the progress that is being made, who want to show that progress down," Vilsack said. "Now, is not the time to step back, now is the time to continue moving forward."

Vilsack told reporters that the mandate was lowering, not raising, gasoline prices for consumers and creating jobs in rural communities.

Oil refiners, who want the mandate rescinded, say the targets are approaching a point where compliance would require the industry blend more ethanol into gasoline than can physically be done at the 10 percent per gallon level.

This problem is referred to as the "blend wall".

Supporters of ethanol argue the "blend wall" could be easily overcome if refiners drop their opposition to allowing gasoline with 15 percent ethanol content, or E15.

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved use of E15 in cars built since 2001, which now account for about two-thirds of U.S. passenger vehicles on the road, but gasoline station operators and oil refiners have voiced concerns that higher blends could hurt vehicle engines.

(Reporting by Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Ros Krasny and Leslie Gevirtz)

View the original article here