Scientific Officer (Ecology and Evolution)

The Simons Foundation is a privately funded grantmaking organization whose mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Our grant programs focus on five key areas:

• Mathematics and Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Autism Research
• Neuroscience
• Science, Society and Culture

Position Summary:

The Life Sciences division of the Simons foundation focuses on fundamental research in ecology and evolution, especially at this interface, as well as plant biology. The foundation seeks a temporary Scientific Officer to join the Life Sciences team. The candidate will work closely with the EVP of Life Sciences to refine its strategies, oversee its grant pipeline and review process, work on research and analyses to support the program, contribute to Science Advisory Board communications, manage in-house workshops and annual meetings, participate in grant reviews, and provide general support as needed.

This full-time temporary position is expected to last one year. The position is based in our offices in New York City. For more information, visit www.simonsfoundation.org/careers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties

• Collaborate with leadership to develop the strategic framework and objectives for grant-making programs in ecology, evolution and plant biology.
• Conduct research and analysis to refine the team’s strategy, which may involve desktop research, pulling external datasets, primary data collection, analyzing and visualizing data, and drafting memos and presentations.
• Assist with strategic thinking to increase pathways to science in ecology and evolution, advance scientific collaboration and data sharing, and to identify opportunities to partner with other organizations.
• Actively participate in the planning and convening of workshops, meetings and retreats by preparing materials such as agendas, performing background research to identify participants and prepare meeting materials, assisting in running events, and performing other administrative tasks as necessary.
• Support EVP in engaging with its Science Advisory Board (SAB).
• Manage a selection of active grants, including tracking milestones and reviewing reports. Work with grantees to identify and resolve challenges.
• Participate in the evaluation of proposals, as necessary.
• Partner with grants management staff to effectively steward proposals and grants through the grantmaking cycle and provide support, as needed.
• Collaborate with the grant management team to implement no-cost extensions, amendments, and other grants management activities as needed.
• Support or lead in translating grant information to the communications team, board reports, and other purposes.
• Pull and analyze grant and grantee data to inform grants management, portfolio assessment, external presentations, and SAB communications.
• Cultivate prospective grant proposals selected by the Life Sciences team, working with prospective grantees from concept note, proposal and budget draft, external review, revision to SAB recommendation.
• Support administrative and other tasks for multiple RFPs, such as aiding in research and memo drafting.
• Partner with the EVP to design, develop, and manage standard and ad-hoc reports that demonstrate program outcomes.
• Travel to attend on-site meetings of grantees, annual retreats and institutional visits of Simons grantees, and external scientific conferences and meetings to keep current on scientific updates/advances relevant to portfolio.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• A Ph.D. in ecology, evolution or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience integrating ecological and evolutionary dynamics.
• Deep familiarity with contemporary and historical literature in the fields of ecology and evolution, and experience generating conceptual syntheses that bridge ecology and evolution through meta-analysis, data mining and/or theory.
• Comfort evaluating projects and scientific output spanning genes to organisms to ecosystems, using laboratory, field-based and theoretical approaches.
• Breadth of experience across approaches (e.g., international field experience, laboratory, experimental evolution) and systems (e.g., plants, animals, microbes) at different biological scales (e.g., genes to communities) with multidisciplinary tools.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Expertise in genomic methods, statistical methods and experimental design.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrating a high level of independent judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, creative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Must be detail-oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts concisely.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to lead or assist in project management and analyses.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point).
• Ability to generate graphics for presentations using any preferred packages.
• Smart Simple grants management platform knowledge helpful but not required.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Please submit a resume and cover letter stating your interest in the position.
• Submit two or three of your published research papers.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $139,000 to $150,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.