About FirstPrinciples:
FirstPrinciples is a non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing our understanding of the universe's fundamental principles. Our mission is to drive scientific breakthroughs that have a lasting, global impact by harnessing technological innovation, data-driven strategies, powerful communication, and strategic research funding. We envision a future where deep scientific knowledge catalyzes transformative progress for humanity.
Job Description:
The Research Director at FirstPrinciples will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's scientific research efforts. Leading the development of the foundation's research strategy, the Research Director will source and identify high-impact projects in theoretical and experimental physics, collaborate with the Scientific Advisory Committee to select and fund research initiatives, and oversee project management to ensure successful outcomes. The Research Director will foster collaborations, manage resources, and maintain the quality and rigor of research activities being funded by the foundation. With a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, this role will directly contribute to FirstPrinciples' mission of catalyzing breakthroughs in physics and transforming discoveries into groundbreaking technologies, all while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication of research findings to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Research Strategy:
- Develop and execute the foundation's research strategy, including identifying key areas of focus, emerging trends in theoretical and experimental physics, and high-impact research opportunities that align with the foundation's mission.
- Collaborate with the Director of Operations to ensure the strategic alignment of research initiatives.
Project Selection:
- Oversee the curation and selection of research projects to be funded by FirstPrinciples.
- Evaluate project proposals for scientific merit, alignment with the foundation's goals, and transformative potential .
- Lead the funding decision-making process in collaboration with the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
- Coordinate with the Director of Operations to manage grant disbursement and reporting, ensuring that funds are used effectively to support pioneering research.
Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC):
- Establish and manage the Scientific Advisory Committee, composed of experts in theoretical and experimental physics.
- Leverage the expertise of SAC members to evaluate and approve research projects for funding, ensuring rigorous scientific standards of evaluation.
- Lead and encourage dynamic discussions among SAC members to identify emerging research trends.
- Facilitate communication between SAC members and researchers.
Research Effectiveness:
- Together with the Director of Operations, design and implement frameworks and systems to measure the effectiveness of scientific research funded by FirstPrinciples.
- Define objectives, set research goals, monitor progress, and build a framework of key performance indicators to measure research success.
Quality Assurance and Project Management
- Ensure the quality and rigor of foundation-supported research projects.
- Implement mechanisms for peer review and scientific evaluation.
- Provide support and guidance to researchers, assisting them in achieving project objectives.
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Collaborations and Partnerships:
- Foster collaborations and partnerships with research institutions, scientists, and organizations in the field of theoretical and experimental physics.
- Explore and facilitate opportunities for joint research initiatives and knowledge sharing.
Budget and Resource Management:
- Manage the research budget, ensuring responsible and effective allocation of resources.
- Identify funding opportunities and grants to support research activities.
Reporting and Documentation:
- Prepare regular reports on the progress and impact of research projects.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of research activities and outcomes.
Scientific Leadership:
- Serve as a thought leader in the field of theoretical physics and represent FirstPrinciples in scientific and research forums.
- Advocate for the importance of fundamental research in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovations.
- Publish and broadly disseminate the foundation’s research findings and engage in scholarly activities.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with the Director of Operations and Marketing and Communications Manager to engage with external stakeholders, including donors, policymakers, and the scientific community.
- Effectively communicate the impact of FirstPrinciples-funded research and the significance of physics research.
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to disseminate research findings to a wider audience.
Team Building:
- Build and lead a high-performing research team, including research program managers and administrators.
- Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in theoretical physics or a related field. Postdoctoral experience and a strong publication record are highly desirable.
- Demonstrated leadership in theoretical physics research, with a deep understanding of the field's challenges and opportunities.
- Experience in grant management, project selection, and research evaluation.
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to identify and pursue high-impact research directions.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.
- Passion for advancing knowledge in theoretical physics and a commitment to the foundation's mission.
- Flexibility to travel as required for the role.
Application Process:
- Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for the role, and references. Please include "Research Director" in the cover letter.
Join us at FirstPrinciples and be a part of a transformative journey where science drives progress and unlocks the potential of humanity.
