Executive AI Research Leader for Scientific Impact

Harnham; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Executive package

Global partnerships

Collaborative culture

Job summary

A mission-driven nonprofit research organization seeks a Chief Scientist to lead long-term scientific strategy across AI and interdisciplinary programs. You will build and guide a high-performing research organization, align priorities with funding and mission, mentor senior researchers, engage with external partners, and steward budgets to maximize scientific impact.

Flexible working arrangements and a competitive executive package are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in AI research or large-scale AI projects.
• Proven leadership of senior researchers and large teams.
• Deep understanding of foundation models and large-scale training systems.
• Ability to set technical direction and assess research quality.
• Extensive professional network in AI/ML with track record of attracting top talent.
• Exceptional communication with executives, boards, funders, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's long-term scientific strategy across AI, ML, and interdisciplinary programs.
• Build and oversee a high-performing research organization and leadership team.
• Align AI research with domain science and organizational goals.
• Partner with executives to coordinate priorities, funding, and mission objectives.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain top research talent; shape teams and capabilities.
• Represent the organization through publications, conferences, and partnerships.
• Oversee budgets, resources, and strategic investments for impact.
• Foster scientific rigor, reproducibility, ethics, collaboration, and innovation.

Skills

15+ years leadership in AI

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Research governance

Talent attraction

Education

PhD in ML/CS/EE/Computational Biology

Job description

A mission-driven nonprofit research organization seeks a Chief Scientist to lead long-term scientific strategy across AI and interdisciplinary programs. You will build and guide a high-performing research organization, align priorities with funding and mission, mentor senior researchers, engage with external partners, and steward budgets to maximize scientific impact.

Flexible working arrangements and a competitive executive package are offered.