Program Scientist, Polymaths

Schmidt Sciences•New York, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded in 2024 that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs. Its Science Systems Center strengthens the technical and academic systems underlying scientific discovery by supporting people, tools, and technology. The Center’s programs address barriers researchers face, including crossing disciplines at critical career stages and accessing high-quality software and AI tools. Schmidt Science Polymaths supports recently tenured researchers who are moving into substantively new lines of inquiry. Each award provides $500,000 per year for up to five years through the recipient’s institution. The program supports researchers across mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences, engineering, and other fields, and is developing an alumni community as its first cohort completes its awards. Reporting to the Director of the Science Systems Center, the Program Scientist will lead the Schmidt Science Polymaths program, including its strategy, selection process, relationships with awardees and their institutions, and alumni community. This hands-on leadership role combines setting program direction with managing the annual selection cycle, reviewing reports, meeting with Polymaths, shaping award reviews, and preparing analyses and recommendations for award decisions. The Program Scientist will also collaborate with other Science Systems programs and contribute to the Science Systems portfolio and organizational priorities. The role is based on-site in New York and requires regular travel within the United States and internationally as needed. The position is exempt. The salary range is $200,000–$225,000 per year.

Requirements

PhD in science, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
At least 8 years of experience following the PhD in academia, government, industry, philanthropy, or research organizations.
Demonstrated scientific accomplishments, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, successful grant applications, or contributions to innovative research projects.
Scientific breadth and ability to evaluate research across disciplines, including assessing whether a researcher is moving into substantively new areas.
Ability to critically evaluate proposals, reports, and other opportunities.
Experience building relationships with mid-career and senior academics, administrators, and research institutions, and judgment to hold candid conversations about research progress.
Strong understanding of how research universities operate, including incentives and barriers influencing research careers.
Experience producing writing for expert and general audiences.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and a record of impact in high-intensity, team-based environments.
Highest integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Must be based on-site in New York and able to travel regularly within the U.S. and internationally as needed.

Nice To Haves

Interdisciplinary research experience, or a career that has moved between fields or institutions.
Experience in research program management, grantmaking, or research administration.
Experience designing or running review, evaluation, or impact-assessment processes.
Experience with researcher fellowship or award programs, including selection.
Experience organizing convenings or building research communities.

Responsibilities

Develop and propose adjustments and evolutions to program strategy and direction in partnership with the Director of the Science Systems Center.
Review and refine the annual selection process, including new tools and approaches.
Develop the program’s convening and community strategy, including convening cadence, agendas, and engagement across cohorts and with other Schmidt Sciences programs.
Develop approaches for assessing Polymaths’ progress and program impact.
Lead the Polymaths program team, set priorities, run regular team meetings, and coordinate work across selection, award administration, awardee engagement, and convenings.
Set the timing of the annual program cycle, including selection, awardee start dates, reporting, and check-in meetings.
Serve as scientific lead for the annual selection cycle by reviewing and approving nominating partners, synthesizing reviews, recommending candidates for advancement and awards, and presenting recommendations internally.
Serve as the primary contact for Polymaths, lead regular check-ins, and support them throughout their awards.
Identify and recruit external reviewers and advisors for selection, mid-cycle, and end-of-award reviews.
Review annual reports and prepare analyses and recommendations on award continuations.
Lead mid-cycle reviews.
Design and lead the end-of-award process, including final reviews, transition to alumni status, and potential follow-on support.
Build continuing relationships with alumni.
Strengthen the program’s external profile and engagement with the broader research community.
Work with Polymaths’ home institutions on award arrangements and institutional support.
Represent Schmidt Sciences at relevant academic conferences and events on interdisciplinary research and research careers.
Work with Schmidt Sciences colleagues to advance organizational priorities and model organizational values.
Collaborate with other Science Systems programs, particularly Schmidt Science Fellows, on interdisciplinary research and research careers.
Contribute to the overall priorities of the Science Systems portfolio.