GIF – the German Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research & Development (www.gif.org.il) seeks to fill the position of

                                                                                 Scientific Director

The German – Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development (GIF) was established in 1986 by agreement between the Ministers of Science of the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Israel, as an instrument complementing the continuous fruitful ties in scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. Since then, we have funded nearly 2000 projects to a sum of more than 262m Euro. A list of our notable grantees may be found here. Our Board members appear here.

Reporting directly to the GIF Director, responsibilities of this hire include:

• Scientific Peer-review processes (overall process) management
• Post award scientific (impact) monitoring: Reviews reports/deliverables for completeness and coordinates programmatic analysis for subsequent payments.
• Core program development and documentation maintenance (i.e., Nexus, see website)
• Providing public access to our science (stories, see website)
• Controller Committee (auditing): grant progress & review
• Partners with initiative team members to support the development of written and other necessary materials for internal and external stakeholders.

The Scientific Director is a key contact point for researchers, advisors, peer-reviewers, and institutional contacts. We are looking for the following skill set:

Must-haves:

• Earned PhD or MD degree; or can demonstrate deep scientific knowledge and appreciation
• Ability to convey necessary information accurately, listen effectively, and ask questions when clarification is needed.
• Self-starter: organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and independent – takes initiative!
• Fast and efficient worker
• Strong sense of ethics and integrity
• Proficient collaborative, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to complete projects accurately and within deadlines.
• Knowledge of international peer-review processes
• Intimate understanding of the Israeli science/academia environment
• Capacity to comprehend and interpret agency rules, regulations, policies, and laws regarding sponsored research.
• Talent to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment and to interact with people at all levels diplomatically, tactfully, and professionally
• Team player
• Excellent computer (e.g. CRM and MS Office), information and internet skills
• Excellent mother-tongue command of spoken and written English
• Hebrew language – expert level

Nice-to-have:

• Five years of overall experience in grants management or operations in a non-profit, philanthropic, or education setting.
• Familiarity with the Germany science/academia environment
• Proficiency in German language

The position is based in Israel; the candidate should be flexible for an in-office, hybrid or work-from-home position. You must have a quiet work environment and a strong internet connection.

Some travel to Germany may be required. This position does not currently oversee associates. We work as a team.

Send your application to Dr. Eric Zimmerman at e.zimmerman@gif.org.il . A full CV and motivational letter (a brief essay describing why you think you are suitable for the role) are necessary, as are the names and contact details of three references. Kindly indicate your salary expectations. Additional supporting material will be accepted.

We anticipate many applications and expect the person to begin as soon as possible.

Eric Zimmerman