Vice President of Science and Technology

Position description

Build the open-access R&D and training ecosystem to scale alternative proteins

The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

How You Will Make a Difference 

The Science and Technology (SciTech) team consists of approximately 25 full-time team members who are focused on supporting the growth of a strong open-access alternative protein R&D and training ecosystem and removing scientific and technological barriers for alternative proteins to reach taste and price parity with conventionally sourced protein—while achieving health and environmental benefits. The US SciTech team also works in close partnership with approximately 25 SciTech team members across GFI’s independent affiliates in Brazil, Europe, India, Israel, and the Asia-Pacific (based in Singapore), as well as with external partners across industry, academia, philanthropy, and the public sector.  

In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead GFI’s Science & Technology team in building a robust R&D and training ecosystem, and removing scientific & technological barriers to scaling alternative proteins. 

The Vice President of Science and Technology will be responsible for:

• Leading the work of the Science and Technology Department including: (1) setting department strategy, vision, and culture; (2) hiring, training, supervising, mentoring, and developing team members; (3) overseeing department budgeting and spending; (4) ensuring excellent execution of signature initiatives (including the Research Grant Program, key technical analyses, white papers and studies, peer-reviewed publications, educational resources, and programs and more); (5) fostering effective cross-functional collaboration with other departments, Science and Technology teams in GFI’s global affiliates and with external stakeholders; and (6) directly leading on key initiatives as appropriate. 
• Directly managing the Director of Science & Technology, Associate Directors of Research Funding, Scientific Ecosystems, and Strategy & Innovation, and other team members as appropriate. 
• In collaboration with leaders within the Science and Technology department—and in partnership with stakeholders across the GFI US Leadership Team—developing the strategic plan, roadmap, and critical strategic initiatives for GFI’s efforts to: 
• Identify the scientific & technological barriers and opportunities necessary to accelerate the alternative protein industry. 
• Catalyze and fund innovative research to find solutions to overcome critical scientific and technological bottlenecks.
• Build a robust and inclusive R&D ecosystem and workforce to bolster the sector’s capacity for innovation and commercialization.
• Strategically identifying the best paths to advance the team’s objectives either through initiatives by the Science and Technology team, via cross-functional collaboration within GFI, via collaboration with external partners, or via opportunities for GFI to play a supporting or catalytic role via others in the alternative protein industry.  
• Serving as an ambassador for GFI’s overall theory of change and Science and Technology work by speaking at relevant conferences, to high profile media, as a panelist at critical events, and with other influential leaders, executives, philanthropists, foundations, and audiences to highlight the expertise and innovations needed in the field; contributing to a more effective R&D ecosystem; inspiring more scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to pursue careers in the field; and, inspiring support and investment in GFI and the alternative protein ecosystem. 
• Engaging and building partnerships with high-level decision-makers at research funding agencies, companies, NGOs, government officials, technical experts, and others who can accelerate the growth of the field—in close collaboration with other stakeholders across the organization. 
• Embedding best practices around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the Science and Technology team as well as across the broader alternative protein scientific network. 
• Contributing to a culture across GFI where all team members have a sense of belonging, team members are treated equitably, and management best practices, professional development, DEI, and other aspects of a healthy culture are adopted. 
• Being an engaged and active member of the GFI U.S. Leadership Team and global leadership bodies, supporting the overall success of the organization, contributing to organization-wide initiatives and processes, and coordinating activity across departments within the U.S. and across SciTech teams within GFI’s global affiliates.
• Cultivating a positive and collaborative working environment with fellow Leadership Team members; supporting SciTech team members in building strong cross-functional internal relationships; providing support to international affiliate SciTech team members; and, working to develop Global Committees, cross-affiliate and cross-department working groups, and other structures to support collaborative efforts around science and technology. 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For 

The Vice President of Science and Technology must have:

• A Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry, food science, engineering, or a similar relevant field.
• Fluency or the ability to develop fluency in the scientific and technological aspects of developing and producing alternative protein inputs and end products (including plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat).
• At least eight years of professional experience after receipt of the graduate degree. 
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing a science, engineering, or technology team.
• An extremely strong work ethic and ability to see projects through to completion.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to effectively represent the organization in high-profile settings, including media appearances, speaking engagements, and international convenings.
• The ability to communicate complex scientific principles in layperson’s terms.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. 
• Strong problem-solving, listening, and communication skills.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to nurturing this on your team and throughout GFI.
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in alternative proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief. 
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.
• Proximity to a major domestic airport with willingness to travel as needed for external and internal events. 

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We use a third-party anonymizing tool to redact personal information from submitted applications — including name, location, contact details, and several other factors — to reduce bias and increase fairness in our process. We strongly encourage people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team. 

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and people from other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Ilya Sheyman, CEO
• Location: Remote; United States 
• Travel: Between 10-25% time, including 2-3 weeks per year for organization retreats, speaking at conferences and events, and engaging with high-priority stakeholders across the ecosystem.
• Benefits: Working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, the opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/GFIBenefits. 
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 
• COVID vaccination policy: GFI requires all US employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be requested before the start of employment. GFI will consider requests for accommodations or exemptions from this policy on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with applicable laws. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/GFICovidPolicy. 
• Salary: $186,743.18- $196,080.30  (depending on experience and qualifications)

Application Deadline: February 16, 2024

Application instructions

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