Job Posting: Scientific Officer, Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain
Scientific Officer, Simons Collaboration on the Global BRain
The Simons Foundation, New York, NY
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:
The Simons Foundation is a private foundation established in 1994 in New York City. With assets of approximately $2 billion and an annual grants and programs budget of $230 million, the foundation is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.
Simons Foundation programs in Mathematics & Physical Sciences support mathematics, theoretical computer science and theoretical physics, and the foundation’s Life Sciences programs have focused on research that promotes synergy between biology and mathematics.
The foundation is also committed to advancing autism research. Launched in 2005, the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is a research campaign within the foundation’s overall suite of programs whose mission is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders by funding innovative research of the greatest quality and relevance.
In addition, the foundation has a new and expanded program, the Simons Foundation’s Education & Outreach (E&O) program in math and science, which seeks to stimulate a deeper interest and understanding of science and mathematics among students, professionals and the interested public. E&O programs aim to connect outstanding scientists with the general public, communicating the excitement of science and providing opportunities for discourse and engagement on emerging or important scientific topics of our time.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Simons Foundation seeks a Scientific Officer whose primary responsibility will be management of a new program, the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB). SCGB investigators will attempt to define neural correlates of internal states by determining the dynamical properties of large populations of neurons recorded at single cell resolution in behaving animals. The candidate will work closely with both Professor David Tank of Princeton University, who leads SCGB, and with Gerald Fischbach, Chief Scientist of the Simons Foundation, who will oversee the project on behalf of the Foundation.
The Scientific Officer will:
- Manage a portfolio of grants and programs developed with the SCGB Executive Committee;
- Facilitate interaction among investigators in the SCGB by ensuring data and information sharing and participation in conferences, workshops and symposia;
- Help organize and participate in workshops and other meetings;
- Assist preparation and evaluation of Requests for Applications (RFA);
- Help to organize review panels and participate actively in reviews;
- Participate in the funding decision process;
- Organize and participate in site visits as needed;
- Interact with other programs, scientists and administrative staff at the Simons Foundation;
- Help develop content for the SCGB website;
- Stay abreast of the field of research.
The Scientific Officer should have a Ph.D. or M.D. and postdoctoral experience with a broad knowledge of the relevant scientific landscape. Experience in working with funders is desirable. Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, and a passion for learning new material are important, as is willingness to travel to meetings in the U.S. and abroad.
For more information about the current SSCG funding opportunity and the program description click here.
To apply:
Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: jobs@simonsfoundation.org.
Simons Foundation is an Equal Opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.