Associate Director for Research

We are looking for an additional scientist to join the growing SFARI team:

This individual will help shape the overall direction of the research program to ensure the highest possible impact of SFARI funding.

Simons Foundation mission and goals:

Established in 1994, the Simons Foundation is a private foundation based in New York City. With assets of $1.3 billion and annual grants of approximately $170 million, the foundation is dedicated to advancing research in the basic sciences and mathematics.

The mission of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is to understand the causes of autism and thereby improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of autism and related developmental disorders. Begun in 2006, the total size of the program has grown to approximately $60 million per year. SFARI supports bold, imaginative and rigorous research relevant to this spectrum of prevalent disorders. In addition to supporting the research of individual investigators, SFARI also funds a large research sample of families each with one child with autism (Simons Simplex Collection) and is involved in numerous other initiatives aimed at creating tools for and fostering the exchange of ideas among scientists working in autism research.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director for Research, the Associate Director for Research will be expected to:

• Stay abreast of the field of autism research
• Evaluate and manage a number of investigator-initiated research grants
• Draft relevant requests for applications (RFAs)
• Help plan and lead review panels
• Interact with our review committees and the Scientific Advisory Board
• Solicit and evaluate progress reports
• Organize and participate in site visits, workshops and SFARI scientific meetings
• Attend relevant scientific meetings (autism, basic neuroscience, genetics, etc.)
• Communicate with other foundations or organizations as needed

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or M.D. and postdoctoral experience with a broad knowledge of the scientific landscape. They must be able to think broadly about scientific problems while maintaining attention to detail. Integrity and resilience in making tough calls is essential. Strong interpersonal and written and oral communication skills, and a passion for learning new material are important, as is willingness to travel to meetings in the US and abroad. SFARI is a small team, so flexibility to pitch in on other projects as needed and a sense of humor are particularly important.

Applicants with a strong scientific background in relevant fields (neuroscience, genetics, developmental biology) will be considered; preference will be given to those with a background in cellular or systems neuroscience and additional relevant experience outside of the laboratory. The job is based in Manhattan, at the offices of the Simons Foundation. The Simons Foundation offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits.

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: jobs@sfari.org. Applications will be accepted until 1 October 2010.

A PDF version of this job listing is also available.