Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment Opportunities at the U.S. National Science Foundation, Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU)

NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR)

Posted on Aug 14, 2026

The position recruited under this announcement will be filled under the following appointment option(s):

Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Assignment: 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.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General.

This opportunity is open only to individuals eligible for appointment under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program. Applicants must meet all IPA eligibility requirements at the time of application. In accordance with the U.S. National Science Foundation requirements, IPAs must be United States citizens.

NSF is particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated experience in STEM disciplines, strategic leadership, research and or research administration, innovation, and collaboration across academia, industry, and government.

The NSF Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) invests in STEM education and workforce development and in STEM education research to improve teaching and learning for preK-12 students and teachers, students and faculty at institutions of higher education, adult learners seeking reskilling/upskilling, and the American public. EDU supports STEM education at all levels and in all settings (both formal and informal) and expands opportunities for discovery and innovation by building STEM capacity across regions and a range of organizations, including K-12 schools, two-year and four-year colleges and universities, nonprofits, and businesses. EDU prioritizes building a workforce for the needs of industries today and in the future in order to strengthen the economy and maintain America's global competitiveness.

EDU program officers work across programs (see https://www.nsf.gov/edu/programs), with opportunities in STEM education research and research infrastructure, innovations in teaching and learning, organizational and individual capacity building, workforce development, and scholarships and fellowships.

Candidates with expertise in any NSF-supported area of STEM are welcome to apply (see https://www.nsf.gov/focus-areas).

We particularly encourage candidates with expertise in the learning sciences, engineering education (all subdisciplines), computer science education, physics and astronomy education, geoscience education, science education, biological and life sciences education, and mathematics education, as well as candidates at (or with experience in) community colleges.

Other areas of interest, which cut across disciplines, include teacher education, systemic change in education, program evaluation, assessment of student learning, discipline-based education research, translation, and educational and emerging technology. Candidates with backgrounds in NSF's current priority areas – including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, quantum information science and technology, semiconductors and microelectronics, and energy technology – are especially welcome.

Interested individuals should submit the following materials:

  • Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Brief statement of interest highlighting relevant experience and areas of expertise
  • Current contact information

Application materials should be submitted electronically to: EDUIPARecruit@nsf.gov

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Be advised that IPA participants will be eligible for either one year of per diem allowance, in accordance with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) rates, or a round-trip household goods move to support the rotational assignment. For more information about the IPA program, please see https://www.nsf.gov/careers/rotator-programs.

We encourage you to share this opportunity broadly with qualified colleagues and professional networks. Questions regarding IPA opportunities may also be directed to Lindsey Moraz, Excepted Service Unit Chief, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) at lmoraz@nsf.gov.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the mission of the U.S. National Science Foundation.