Generating a New Data Source for Studying Public Perceptions of Science in the United States

What will I be doing?

As part of its efforts to develop a new data source for its Public Perceptions of Science (PPS) chapter in Science and Engineering Indicators (SEI), the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) is soliciting a fellow to assist with developing a questionnaire to collect information pertinent to the PPS chapter.  In 2020, the science module on the General Social Survey was discontinued. Since this science module was SEI’s primary data source for the PPS chapter, this had a huge impact on SEI’s ability to write the PPS chapter.  Therefore, NCSES has decided to investigate the possibility of staging its own survey to collect the information it needs to write the PPS chapter.  As part of your fellowship, you will identify or draft measurement items, test these measures, and ultimately field a fully tested questionnaire on an online panel of respondents to generate data for future PPS chapter. You will draft  measurements of a respondent’s: level of science literacy, exposure to science, science information-seeking behaviors, and attitudes toward science. 

Why should I apply? As a fellow in the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program, you will have the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. In addition, you will

• Learn from top researchers and subject matter experts in data analysis, statistics, economics, science policy, research and more
• Gain real world experience in cutting edge research from the world's premier source for data and information on the science and engineering enterprise
• Develop skills within and outside of your field of study and interest and earn a competitive edge
• Network with your peers, travel, and participate in educational events

The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) leads several cutting-edge research projects and initiatives that not only further their mission of collecting and disseminating objective information on the science and engineering enterprise, but also will provide you with an exclusive access to high quality data sets and experiences in data analysis, statistics, and more. 

Where will I be located? Alexandria, VA (Washington D.C. area).

In response to the evolving situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, NSF NCSES may modify their operation schedule and access to facilities to ensure the health and safety of their entire workforce while maintaining operational effectiveness. Hence, the appointment location is subject to change contingent on NSF NCSES guidelines and may result in a virtual placement.

Participant Benefits

Selected participants will receive a competitive stipend for living and other expenses during this appointment as determined by NCSES. Stipends are determined by participant's academic standing, discipline, and experience.

Participants may also be eligible to receive

• Health insurance allowance,
• Reimbursement for travel expenses, and
• Travel/training allowance for professional development and travel to professional meetings, such as conferences.

Duration 

Appointments vary by project. Fellowships are typically for one year and may be extended based upon project needs and funding availability for up to 5 years

Background

The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) is the nation’s leading provider of statistical data on the U.S. science and engineering enterprise. NCSES is one of thirteen principal federal statistical agencies, set apart by the mission of collecting data related to U.S. competitiveness and STEM education. NCSES is responsible for statistical data regarding: research and development, the science and engineering workforce, U.S. competitiveness in science, engineering, technology, and R&D, and the condition and progress of STEM education in the United States. NCSES is responsible for statistical data for a broad range of interests. Research/technical projects for fellows may be related to one of NCSES's areas of interest: 

• Science and Engineering Workforce
• Research and Development
• Higher Education Research and Development
• Federal Funding for Science and Engineering
• STEM Education
• Innovation and Global Competitiveness

To learn more about the NCSES Research Ambassadors Program, visit https://orise.orau.gov/ncses/. To learn more about NCSES, visit https://ncses.nsf.gov/. 

Administrative Note: The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.   

To qualify for this opportunity you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Have received a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in an eligible discipline. If you are currently pursuing a doctoral degree, degree must be received by May 2022.
  • Eligible disciplines can be found at the end of this posting.

U.S. citizenship is not required for participation in the program. However, depending on the research project, U.S. citizenship or permanent residence may be required. 

Ideal candidates have experience in survey methodology, particularly question writing, question testing and assessing the properties of a measurement tool.  In addition to this, ideal candidates have some experience with constructs such as science literacy, information seeking behaviors, and attitudinal data.

Application and Selection Process

Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. NCSES will be actively reviewing submitted applications for this opportunity. Subsequent selection process stages may include telephone, video, or in-person interview with the applicant and mentor. For more information about the selection process, visit https://orise.orau.gov/ncses/ and scroll to the "Appointment Details" section.

The preferred start date for this opportunity is as soon as possible. 

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to NSF-NCSES@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

A complete application consists of:

• Complete Zintellect profile
• Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity.
• Current Resume/CV
• Academic Records: The applicant must submit records for the most recent degree or degree in progress. Unofficial transcripts or copies of academic records provided by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institutional systems may be submitted.
• One (1) Recommendation: Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from a professional who can speak to your abilities and potential for success as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted.  Recommendation must be submitted before an offer is made.

All documents must be submitted via Zintellect. All application components must be received in the system in order to be considered.

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• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (8 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age