Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the independent, non-partisan research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, anticipates announcing a search for a program officer within the National Center for Education Research (NCER) in the coming weeks. We expect to solicit applications from qualified individuals with expertise in Early Learning Programs and Policies. The Early Learning portfolio is situated within NCER’s Teaching and Learning Division (which includes programs on Civics Education and Social Studies, Cognition and Student Learning, Early Learning Programs and Policies, Literacy, English Learner Policies, Programs and Practices, STEM Education, and Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Context for Learning and Teaching), but would also be closely aligned with our Policy and Systems Division, as well as our new Accelerate, Transform, Scale (ATS) Initiative.
Please share this opportunity with your networks and reach out with questions! Attached please find some tips on preparing a successful application.
NCER provides funding to support rigorous research that addresses the nation’s most pressing education needs, from early childhood to adult education. NCER is responsible for managing broad programs of research related to teaching and learning as well as education systems and policies at the school, district, state, or national level. NCER also supports training programs in the education sciences.
The role of a program officer is an exciting one with the opportunity to advise applicants on their proposed research and development projects, monitor funded grants and contracts, and help foster research innovation. This is a career avenue outside academia and industry that remains close to the research and development enterprise. It offers a unique and important way to contribute to research and development and to make an impact on the nation’s education system. The role entails a 40-hour work week and generous federal employee benefits, with a possibility of remote work. We hope to encourage a diverse array of applicants.
Because the Department of Education’s Human Resources process mandates closing searches after a specified number of applications are received (which can occur in less than 24 hours), we encourage potentially interested applicants to plan ahead by creating a profile in USAJobs.gov and uploading relevant materials in advance of the position posting. This can take longer than you anticipate, and we don’t want strong applicants to miss the window of opportunity to apply! You may set a notification request in the USAJobs system so that you are able to apply quickly after the position goes live.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Laura Namy (Associate Commissioner for Teaching and Learning) at Laura.Namy@ed.gov about this opportunity, or any program officer within NCER to learn more about life as an IES Program Officer.
Closing Date:
Contact: Laura.Namy@ed.gov