Deadline: 16 October 2022
The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a new Director. This role develops and succeeds the role of Executive Director of CSER. This position is funded for five years in the first instance, with the expectation that CSER's ongoing fundraising would include extending this tenure.
Centre for the Study of Existential Risk
CSER was established in 2015 with the mission of helping to ensure the human species has a long-term future. Research focuses on biological risks, environmental risks, risks from artificial intelligence, and how to manage extreme technological risk. Today CSER produces world-leading research on global catastrophic risks ranging from biodiversity loss to the impacts of the bioeconomy, engaging with policymakers at the national and international level, and launching major research initiatives in Cambridge.
CSER has developed a community of researchers working together on the complex challenges of managing extreme risks and we are looking for candidates who will contribute this community and work as part of a team, both within CSER and with our many research partners.
The Role:
The Director will be expected to provide visionary leadership for the Centre, to maintain and enhance its reputation for cutting-edge research, to develop and oversee fundraising and new project and programme design, to ensure the proper functioning of its operations and administration, and to lead its endeavours to secure longevity for the Centre within the University.
Requirements:
- A PhD in a specialist subject relevant to the Centre's aims.
- An internationally-recognised track record of innovation in research and publications in topics relevant to CSER's mission.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present different strands of the Centre's research to potential collaborators, the public and media, and existing and prospective funders, including representing research programmes at steering committees and management board meetings.
- Proven ability in strategic planning, research project management, and research programme development.
- Proven ability in academic, industry or philanthropic fundraising including academic grant-writing and coordination.
- The ability to collaborate actively with research partners outside the Institution, including the wider existential risk research community, international groups related to specific risks and other thought leaders in a range of academic disciplines.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, please click on the 'Apply online' button on this webpage (or at the button below). This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System. Our hiring panel can only consider applications made through this system.
If you have any questions about this vacancy you can contact Rachel Burgess on administrator@lcfi.cam.ac.uk; or about the application process, please contact Schools HR Team at sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is 16 October 2022.