APPLICATION BASICS

Why apply? Solving the Nation’s most challenging problems will require a whole-of-government approach, with effective public-private partnerships. This interagency postdoctoral opportunity will be based out of NASA and USGS’s shared campus in Silicon Valley. Here, Fellows will have access to the resources of both Agencies, and the intellectual engine of Silicon Valley.  A successful program here increases our national scientific capability by building a new corps of researchers able to operate in the interagency science environment and interact with influential elements of the private sector. 

This is an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS, NASA and industry partners, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The opportunity is also intended to provide research experiences that enhance their personal scientific stature and credentials. Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets and to build off the long scientific heritage of both NASA and USGS.

What is the USGS Mission? Since 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed the facts and forecasts the Nation needs for its lands, waters and ecosystems. Our staff work with Federal, State and local partners, Tribes, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to focus efforts where they are most needed. We

• Characterize our Nation’s natural assets and threats by sampling and mapping them
• Monitor to provide situational awareness
• Model to provide forecasts
• Communicate these products to industry, non-governmental organizations and the public

When these four elements are wisely focused, they provide our American enterprise with the right tools for the challenges we face together. The Nation trusts these tools because we provide facts and forecasts without advocacy. In a natural environment that is inadequately characterized and constantly changing, USGS provides knowledge before national action. 

What is NASA’s Mission? NASA’s mission is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality and stewardship of Earth. Our more than 18,000 professionals come from many diverse backgrounds, but are united by a common purpose: to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. In addition to our core values, our NASA team embodies a few shared characteristics that are integral to our success. Each of these attributes are underpinned by NASA’s core values and mission:

• Curiosity: We’re continually asking questions and seeking answers. Every day is a chance to try something new and come up with novel solutions to “unsolvable” problems.
• Team-oriented: We come together as one to solve complex issues. Innovation is a staple, teamwork is a must and everyone’s opinion counts.
• Excellence: We’re continuously striving to be better and know more. We pursue excellence in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.
• Passion for Exploration: We are constantly embarking on a range of adventures to better understand our planet, the solar system and beyond.
• Agility: We are comfortable and flexible working in ambiguous environments. We embrace change and are ready to grow and adapt to what the future may bring.
• Resilience: When we put our minds to something—we don’t give up. We aren’t deterred by obstacles or constraints, and we stay the course to achieve our goals. 

What is the support? Postdoctoral Fellows are appointed to the USGS for two years and receive full salary and benefits at the GS-12 level. The 2018 base salary for GS-12, step 1 in the San Francisco Bay Area is $88,582, and includes additional benefits. The appropriate Human Resources Office contact can provide further information upon request.

What is the start date? Appointments can begin following conferment of Ph.D. There is some flexibility on arrival, but expect to arrive at your duty station within 6 months of accepting an offer. 

What qualifications do I need to meet? In order to be considered for this Postdoctoral Fellowship:

1. The Ph.D. degree requirements must have been met no earlier than 5 years before the application opening date (October 2018 for this round), and must be completed by the time employment starts;
    
2. Meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. Applicants must address the USGS and NASA scientific needs described in the Research Opportunity description appropriately. The proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity. If they do not, they may not be considered.

At this time the Federal Government may hire U.S. citizens; a person who owes allegiance to the U.S.; or a person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking U.S. citizenship. Please contact the appropriate Personnel Office listed on the announcement for questions about eligibility and further assistance. A background investigation will be required. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. For information regarding the recruitment process or the status of an application, please contact the Human Resources Office contact.

A note on Foreign Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements if acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States is provided. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence. Click here for additional information on acceptable documentation: https://www2.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/foreign.html.

What will I need to apply? You will need the following documents:

1. Resume. Please ensure that the resume includes:
    
   1. Title of the Research Opportunity;
   2. How the applicant became aware of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program;
   3. Last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security Number;
   4. Country of citizenship;
   5. Veterans preference (if applicable);
   6. Names of colleges and universities attended;
   7. Type of degrees earned and the years they were received;
   8. Names, phone numbers, and contact information of three references; and
   9. An e-mail address at which the applicant can be reached. (NOTE: If the e-mail address of an applicant changes after the closing date, it is his/her responsibility to send the new e-mail address to the following: USGS NIC Director Jonathan Stock (jstock@usgs.gov), NASA ringmaster Ian Brosnan (ian.g.brosnan@nasa.gov), and USGS Human Resources contact Audrey Tsujita (atsujita@usgs.gov).
2. Educational Transcripts. Proof of successful completion of education must be provided. This proof includes copies of undergraduate transcripts and graduate transcripts. If you are selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts. If your transcripts are not in English, please also provide a listing of all course work with grade and credit hours information. Unofficial transcripts must be submitted as a part of the application package.
    
3. List of Publications. Include articles in journals, proceedings volumes, etc., and abstracts, reports, maps, etc. Please do not submit copies of publications unless requested. Abstracts of up to three papers, reports, and so on, or a chapter from your Ph.D. dissertation may be submitted. 
    
4. Foreign Education Documentation. You must provide proof, if necessary. Foreign accreditation information can be provided after an employment offer is made. 
    
5. Supporting Veterans Preference Documentation (if necessary). 
    
6. Research Proposal. Each research proposal should be a maximum of 8 standard pages in length (single space, Times New Roman font, font size 12) and should contain:
    
   1. Research objective(s);
   2. Links to USGS and NASA science program strategy;
   3. How and where research is to be conducted;
   4. Name of Research Advisor(s) -- the Research Advisors are listed in the description of the research opportunity;
   5. Required scientific facilities.

The Research Proposal is the most important part of the application package. It should address USGS and NASA scientific needs described in the Research Opportunity description. A successful proposal should demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity. If they do not, they may not be considered for a Postdoctoral Fellowship. For this reason, we strongly urge applicants to coordinate the development of the Proposal with the Research Advisor(s).

1. A budget estimate is required, as a table with descriptive text following to explain entries. This estimate should detail anticipated operating expenses for fieldwork, access to specialized equipment/facilities, conference travel, publications, computer hardware/software, and so on. The budget material does not count towards the 8-page limit.
    
2. A list of references associated with the research proposal may be included and will not count toward the 8-page limit.

How should I start? Start by contacting the Research Advisor(s) to express your interest in the Fellowship, and to start the process of writing your Research Proposal. 

How should I submit my application? All materials should be submitted in PDF format through the USAJOBS web link next to the Research Opportunity description. PDF files submitted should not be larger than 4 MB. If a file is larger than 4 MB, applicants must split the contents of the file so that no one unit submitted is larger than 4 MB. 
Applications should be prepared as follows:

• First PDF file should contain ONLY the research proposal.
• A second PDF file should contain: list of literature references cited in the proposal; budget estimate; and resumé.
• A separate PDF file should contain: educational transcripts; supporting veterans documentation.
• In addition, documents that do not easily lend themselves to conversion may be faxed. Please contact the appropriate Human Resources Office to make arrangements.

Clicking on the “APPLY” button next to the Research Opportunity will take applicants to the USAJOBS application for the Opportunity. For technical assistance for submitting an application through USAJOBS, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed as the Agency Contact within the body of the announcement. It is against the law to submit applications for employment using Government paid postage envelopes or mail services (18 USC 1719). Such application packages will not be considered. Application material will not be returned.

What is the deadline? Application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the successful conveyance of the application package. If a complete application package is not submitted, the applicant will not be considered for the position.

What happens after I submit my application? The Human Resources Office will provide the hiring official with application material for review and consideration. The Research Advisor and/or hiring official will review the application material and contact candidates for interviews as needed. A subject matter expert panel will be convened. If an applicant is chosen for the opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer. 

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Federal Government. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selectee.
Research Opportunities are in the excepted service and are filled through a Schedule A noncompetitive appointing authority. Appointments do not confer competitive or permanent status in the Federal Government nor are they subject to competitive examining procedures.

Appointments are temporary, not to exceed two years, are full-time, and may be terminated at any time. The appointment may, in certain circumstances, be extended for an additional two years. However, should it become necessary to separate an individual prior to the expiration date, appropriate procedures will be used and information provided of any corresponding rights. The appointment may, in certain circumstances, be extended for up to an additional two years though rare.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the educational requirements. Applicants must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/foreign.html.

The person selected for an opportunity will automatically be covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System, and is eligible to elect coverage under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. He/she will also earn annual and sick leave.

Applicants claiming 10-point veterans' preference, must submit a DD-214, SF-15 and supporting documents (e.g., official statement from the Department of Veterans' Affairs) within 48 hours of the closing date of this announcement. If applicants fail to do so, they will only be granted 5-point tentative preference if appropriate. Required documents may be emailed, faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the servicing personnel office (see ‘Personnel Office Contact’). For more information on veterans' preference, visit: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp 

The Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify records from those of other applicants who have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, the SSN is used if information is needed from employers, schools, banks, and others. Please only include your Social Security Number once in your package of materials (preferably on the resume or cover letter). Do NOT put your Social Security Number on each page of your application package.
The person selected for this opportunity will be required to complete a “Declaration of Federal Employment” (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine his/her suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Before being hired, selectees will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in the application package. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on the application may be grounds for not hiring the applicant, for dismissing the applicant after he/she begins work or taking other disciplinary action, and may be punishable under fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001).

A background investigation will be required. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31,1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law.
USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, or direct or indirect interest in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.

The person selected for this opportunity must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of pay.
Application packages may contain information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
Recruitment methods and selection procedures will be based solely on merit after fair and open competition and will be made without regard to political, religious, or labor organization affiliation or non-affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, or age.

This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.