Key Areas of Responsibility
The fellow will have a unique opportunity to develop an understanding of the basic science philanthropy landscape, primarily through supporting the work of the President, Senior Advisor, Advisor, Science Director, and Senior Science Advisors in managing the relationships with members, advisees, and other organizations and individuals. Reporting to the Science Director, the fellow will be working actively as a part of a team to ensure a high level of advising services to high-net-worth individuals and foundations. Activities may include analysis of best practices in science philanthropy, reviewing research proposals, and creating “how to” materials for new philanthropists. The fellow may also undertake research projects, some of which will be in partnership with Alliance member organizations. In addition, the fellow may assist in other Alliance projects, such as organizing scientific workshops in support of advising efforts or providing content for the Alliance website and social media about the importance of basic science and basic science philanthropy. Upon completion of the fellows program, the fellow will be knowledgeable about philanthropy, understand the basic science philanthropic landscape from the lens of multiple stakeholders, and be well prepared to transition to a future position in a role that serves to support effective funding for basic science research.
In particular, the fellow will support the Alliance’s short-term and long-term work related to infectious diseases. Specific activities in the short-term may include mapping and tracking philanthropic funding of basic science related to COVID-19, reviewing proposals, and identifying and facilitating funding for critical data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Longer-term activities over the two-year fellowship period will support the Alliance’s work to assess the basic science needs for emerging infectious diseases and pandemics. Activities may include organizing a series of workshops and identifying gaps in funding and research.
• Deep curiosity about a wide variety of life science fields, with particular expertise in microbiology, virology, immunology, epidemiology, and/or disease ecology • Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in writing and editing materials with scientific content (letters, white papers, summary documents), as well as preparing presentations with scientific content (PowerPoint) • A creative approach to problem solving and the ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities • Be proactive with projects, share innovative ideas, and demonstrate a sense of urgency, a clear set of priorities, and a strong work ethic • Unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness; a fine-tuned sense of discretion in the handling of confidential and sensitive matters • Ability to inspire enthusiasm about the Alliance mission • Ability to forge close working relationships with staff at Alliance member organizations and with Alliance advisees • A high level of energy, self-confidence, persuasive charm, self-motivation, and initiative in order to function at peak levels in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment • Ability to maintain composure under pressure • Comfortable working with Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn to use relational databases (Salesforce)
Background Should possess at least three of the following: o Experience as a scientist with expertise related to infectious disease o Experience with nonprofit or governmental organizations o Experience in research, communications and/or marketing within a research-related institution, foundation, or a non-profit organization dedicated to science o Experience in science communications for a lay audience
Education: Ph.D. in a science field
Application
To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Organization Details
With more than 700 years of combined experience supporting science, the Alliance is uniquely capable to advise philanthropists and their foundation staffs on the most effective ways to advance basic science while also deriving the maximum personal satisfaction from doing so.