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Department Head, Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Position Summary

The Department Head for Mathematical and Physical Sciences is responsible for catalyzing and generating new philanthropic initiatives and grant programs in the areas of physics, astronomy, mathematics and related sciences which advance the mission of the Foundation. The Department Head for Mathematical and Physical Sciences is a critical member of the Foundation's Leadership Team working closely with other senior Program colleagues on project development and management. The successful candidate will oversee a team tasked with developing high impact, global initiatives in the relevant areas, with special emphasis on projects that have cross-disciplinary relevance. A sample of projects which have been developed or approved in this area by the Foundation can be found here.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

  • Develop a range of projects and funding opportunities in physics, astronomy, and mathematics that address “Big Questions” aimed at advancing the Foundation’s mission.
  • Create new, cutting-edge funding initiatives that attract leading researchers, and which nurture promising younger scholars.
  • Foster new fields of inquiry and networks within the disciplines of physics, astronomy, and mathematics.
  • Communicate the mission of the Foundation both internally and externally, especially to researchers, academic institutions, world-wide media associations, and related associations and networks.
  • Participate in all aspects of the Open Submission proposal review process.

Secondary Areas of Responsibility

  • Participate in the organization conferences and symposia relevant to the Foundation’s mission.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities.

Criteria & Relevant Skills

  • 5 to 10 years of experience in physical sciences and/or mathematics within a research or academic setting.
  • Ph.D. or equivalent, required.
  • Successful publication record in the fields of physics, astronomy, and/or mathematics.
  • Excellent communications and networking skills.
  • Experience in the grant making and RFP process, preferred.
  • Interest in developing research networks through funding initiatives.
  • Strong personal interest in shaping the future fields of physics and mathematics, especially conceptual breakthroughs aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
  • Pertinent travel is required, 4 - 5 days per month.
  • Strong personal interest in the Foundation’s mission is essential.

The John Templeton Foundation provides support for research and the dissemination of research in a variety of areas. Typically, projects involving research and dissemination focus on “Big Questions,” many of which lie at the intersection of multiple disciplines. More specifically, the Foundation supports work that seeks to uncover the fundamental nature of reality, including work in physics, biology, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and the social and human sciences. In addition, the Foundation supports research and programs in areas such as Freedom and Free Enterprise, Genetics, and the discovery and nurturing of Exceptional Cognitive Talent and Creativity.

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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the John Templeton Foundation is to serve as a philanthropic catalyst for discovery in areas engaging life's biggest questions. These questions range from explorations into the laws of nature and the universe to questions on the nature of love, gratitude, forgiveness, and creativity.

Our vision is derived from Sir John Templeton's commitment to rigorous scientific research and related scholarship. The Foundation's motto “How little we know, how eager to learn” exemplifies our support for open-minded inquiry and our hope for advancing human progress through breakthrough discoveries.