NSF Seeks Nominations for Assistant Director of the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate

By Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has initiated a nationwide search for its next Assistant Director for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). A key position within NSF’s senior management and policy team, the position provides leadership and direction for CISE’s numerous programs and initiatives, as well as oversight of a staff of approximately 137 employees and an annual budget of more than $1 billion.

“The role of the CISE Assistant Director is not just about overseeing NSF staff and a $1 billion budget, it is also about empowering minds, nurturing curiosity, and embracing innovation,” said Tracy Camp, Executive Director and CEO of CRA. “People who serve in this role have a profound responsibility that shapes the future of knowledge in computing fields.”

Nominations, as well as any supporting information, may be sent to the AD/CISE Search Advisory Committee via email at cisesrch@nsf.gov.

The position

Dr. Margaret Martonosi has held the position of CISE Assistant Director with distinction since February 2020.

The Assistant Director leads the CISE Directorate, which “aims to help the U.S. uphold a position of world leadership in computing, communications, and information science and engineering.”

One of eight NSF directorates, the CISE directorate includes the Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF), the Division of Computer and Network Systems (CNS), and the Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS), as well as investments in advanced cyberinfrastructure through the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure (OAC).

The position has been held with distinction by Dr. Margaret Martonosi since February 2020. While in the role, she has been on leave from Princeton University, where she is the Hugh Trumbull Adams ‘35 Professor of Computer Science. A former CRA Board Member and CRA-WP Co-chair, Martonosi is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Search criteria

Dr. Jim Kurose–a former CRA Board Member–will chair the search committee.

The search committee will be chaired by Dr. Jim Kurose, Distinguished University Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Also a former CRA Board Member, Dr. Kurose held the Assistant Director for CISE position from January 2015 to September 2019.

NSF seeks a candidate “with outstanding leadership abilities; a deep sense of scholarship; a grasp of the issues facing the computer and information sciences in the areas of education and research, as well as in advanced cyberinfrastructure; and a commitment to the goals and strategies of the National Science Foundation.”

Nominations of individuals from any sector, including academia, industry, and government, are welcomed.

Per the review criteria, the search committee will evaluate candidates by their demonstrated evidence of: