Opportunities

The National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR), Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) announces a nationwide search for temporary program directors with expertise at the intersections between computer science (as well as related fields) and research on science, technology, engineering or mathematics learning.

Formal consideration of applications will begin on November 15, 2016 and will continue until a selection is made.

Program Directors have an unparalleled opportunity and responsibility to ensure NSF-funded research is at the forefront of advancing fundamental knowledge. In support of that, Program Directors are responsible for extensive interaction with academic research communities and industry, as well as interaction with other Federal agencies that may lead to development of interagency collaborations. Within this context, Program Directors solicit, receive and review research and education proposals, make funding recommendations, administer awards, and undertake interaction with research communities in these fields. They are also responsible for service to Foundation-wide activities and initiatives that together accomplish NSF's strategic goals to: 1) Transform the Frontiers of Science and Engineering, 2) Stimulate Innovation and Address Societal Needs through Research and Education, and 3) Excel as a Federal Science Agency. The position requires 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.

DRL recognizes that this is a highly interdisciplinary research area and that wide range of expertise is needed. Successful candidates will have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
 - Research and development for computer science education (for any age group or any setting)
 - Research on computational thinking in computer science education or in other STEM subjects
 - Research and development involving the use of innovative technologies to foster STEM learning (e.g., cyberlearning)
 - Research on broadening participation of learners from under-represented groups in computer science and related subject areas
 - Applications of data science (big data) to research and development on STEM learning (e.g., learning analytics, educational data mining)

Applicants should have a Ph.D., Ed.D. or equivalent training in a relevant field such as computer science or another STEM subject, data science, learning science, social science, instructional technology, or STEM education research; and six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience in an educational or research setting.

For more information, view this opportunity on the NSF website: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2016/drl16005/drl16005.jsp