Deadline: 25 November 2024
The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) invites applications for a new Director. The current postholder Matthew Connelly has been given the opportunity to become Vice Dean for AI Initiatives at Columbia University, where he takes on the challenge of ensuring that AI will be used ethically and effectively in research and education. He will remain a member of CSER’s advisory board.
This is a one-year position in the first instance, starting from 13 January 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, the position is available as a secondment, on a full or part-time basis. This interim position allows time to develop the case for this to become a permanent position, conditional on the success of CSER’s new MPhil in Global Risk and Resilience.
The Director will provide visionary leadership for the Centre, maintain, and enhance its reputation for cutting-edge research, fundraise and develop new projects, to provide support and guidance to education programmes, ensure the proper functioning of its operations and administration, and lead its endeavours to secure longevity for the Centre within the University.
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 to this community and work as part of a team, including a proven commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, diversity, and equality.
Applicants should have:
- 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.
- 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.
How to apply
For questions about the vacancy please contact CSER Deputy Director, Jess Bland, via recruitment@cser.cam.ac.uk; or about the application process, please contact the School of Arts and Humanities HR team on SAHHR@admin.cam.ac.uk.
The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Monday 25 November 2024. Interviews are planned for early December 2024, subject to change.