Managing Director of The Foundations Institute at UCSB

The Foundations Institute (TFI) at UCSB is a new initiative dedicated to organizing scientists from across the disciplines to challenge intellectual and methodological dogmas that threaten to hold back scientific progress. The mission of the Institute is to organize small teams of top scientists to intensively interrogate foundational ideas in individual disciplines that are rarely questioned in normal scientific work. The Academic Coordinator helps steer the Institute, develop its programs and raise money to expand its scope and reach. The Coordinator is a leader of the Institute, and will have first-order influence over its evolution. As such, the position requires an unusual set of talents that include creativity, scientific experience, interpersonal effectiveness and skills at popular and grant writing. Most of all, the ideal Coordinator has a taste for scientific disruption and innovation.

Responsibilities of the Academic Coordinator include but are not limited to:

* Collaborate with the TFI leadership team to plan the long run development of the TFI's programs and mission.

* Assist with planning and logistics for core TFI events including workshops, symposia and bootcamps.

* Spearhead fundraising efforts via grant-writing and meeting with prospective donors and the UCSB Development office.

* Help to disseminate outcomes of TFI projects to the public via media and social media.

* Help to recruit scientists to lead TFI workshops and other initiatives.

The appointment is in the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and the Academic Coordinator will report to the co-Directors of the TFI, and regularly consult with UCSB's Research Development Team and Office of Development. However, the Coordinator will generally have considerable latitude and autonomy in fulfilling the above responsibilities.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Program: https://www.tfi.ucsb.edu/

A PhD in a scientific field and a familiarity with the issues surrounding the progress of science is required at the time of application.

At least three years of previous experience in building and leading a complex science-based enterprise that includes:

1. Basic research
2. Grant writing
3. Organizing workshops, symposia and/or conferences.

At least three years demonstrated experience in:

1. Successful fundraising from a variety of sources, both public and private.
2. The dissemination of scientific discoveries to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Applicants that are strongly considered will have their references contacted prior to selection for interview.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.