We are initiating a national search for the National Science Foundation’s Assistant Director for Biological Sciences (BIO) and seek your assistance in the identification of candidates. Dr. James Collins has served in this position with great distinction since October 2005.
The Assistant Director, BIO, leads a Directorate comprised of five divisions: Biological Infrastructure; Environmental Biology; Emerging Frontiers; Integrative Organismal Systems; and Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. Enclosed is an information sheet that summarizes the Directorate’s activities and the responsibilities of the position, together with the criteria that will be used in the search. Employment may be on a temporary or permanent basis in the Federal Service or by temporary assignment under provisions of the Intergovernmental Personnel Act.
We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Barbara Schaal of Washington University in St. Louis has agreed to head the Search Committee. We seek your help in identifying candidates with the following qualifications: outstanding leadership; a deep sense of scholarship; a grasp of the issues facing the biological science community in the areas of education and research; and the ability to serve effectively as a key member of the NSF management team. We are especially interested in identifying women, members of minority groups, and persons with disabilities for consideration. Recommendations of individuals from any sector – academic, industry, or government – are welcome.
Please send your recommendations, including any supporting information that you can provide, to the AD/BIO Search Committee via e mail (biosrch@lists.nsf.gov) or at the following address: National Science Foundation, Office of the Director, Suite 1205, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. We would appreciate receiving your recommendations by March 31, 2009.
Your assistance in this very important task is appreciated. A PDF version of this letter, including the enclosures, is attached. This announcement is also available on the Web at http://www.nsf.gov/od.
Arden L. Bement, Jr.                                       Cora B. Marrett
Director                                                   Acting Deputy Director