Senior Scientific Officer - Research Grants

The International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO) has an opening for a Senior Scientific Officer to support the HFSP Research Grant Program.

The position is ideally suited for candidates with a Ph.D. in life sciences or fields at the interface with life sciences who are interested in joining the world’s leading program for support of basic research in biology.

ABOUT US

HFSPO is a unique organization supporting frontier interdisciplinary and internationally collaborative basic research in the life sciences. It is supported by 17 Members, comprising 16 countries and the European Commission. Since 1990, more than 8,500 researchers from over 70 countries have been supported. Of these, 31 HFSP awardees have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize.

HFSPO is implementing its Strategy 2024–2032, which sets a path for strategic and organic growth and development of the Organization. HFSPO aims to strengthen its core programs supporting frontier research, improve the integration of scientists from all Member countries, diversify its membership, deepen engagement with research communities worldwide and develop new opportunities for frontier science.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Senior Scientific Officer - Research Grants will play a central role in the scientific leadership, implementation and continued development of the HFSP Research Grants Program and will contribute to the scientific management and development of HFSPO’s wider portfolio of Programs. Working closely with the Director of Awards and Chief Scientific Officer, the incumbent will hold delegated responsibility for the scientific implementation of the Research Grants Program, including its annual award cycle and peer review process, and will lead scientific Program analytics across HFSPO’s portfolio.

As part of HFSPO’s wider pool of Senior Scientific Officers, the position will also contribute flexibly across Programs and scientific activities, providing senior scientific capacity where required. The position calls for an experienced scientist and research-funding professional able to combine senior scientific judgement, rigorous Program delivery, data-informed analysis and collaborative leadership.

Team:

Reporting to the Director of Awards, the Senior Scientific Officer - Research Grants forms part of HFSPO’s scientific team responsible for the Organization’s award programs and wider scientific activities. The position works closely with other Senior Scientific Officers, Scientific Officers, Program Officers and colleagues across the Secretariat in implementing the HFSP Research Grants, Fellowships, Accelerator Program and other scientific initiatives.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Research Grants and Peer Review

• Holds delegated responsibility for the scientific and operational implementation of the HFSP Research Grants, Accelerator Program and any other grant-related Program, ensuring their effective delivery in accordance with HFSPO’s scientific strategy, policies and established standards.
• Leads the annual Research Grants award cycle, including the scientific management of the peer review and selection processes and the preparation and conduct of review committee meetings.
• Oversees the identification, selection and assignment of review committee members and external reviewers, ensuring appropriate scientific expertise, balance and integrity throughout the peer review process.
• Ensures that applicants receive appropriate and constructive feedback following the peer review and selection process, in accordance with HFSPO policies and established practices.
• Provides judgement on complex applications, awards and other Program-related cases, escalating matters with significant policy, reputational or strategic implications to the Director of Awards.
• Ensures effective scientific oversight throughout the award lifecycle, working with Scientific Officers and Program Officers to provide applicants, awardees and their research organizations with clear guidance on program requirements and timely, consistent responses to scientific and award-related queries.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen and continuously improve the Research Grants Program and its peer review and selection processes, contributing to their further development and evolution.

Program Analytics, Evaluation and Impact

• Leads scientific Program analytics across all HFSP Programs, in collaboration with other Senior Scientific Officers, ensuring the systematic analysis and interpretation of applications, peer review, awards, research outputs, outcomes and impact.
• Develops analytical approaches and indicators to assess Program performance, identify trends and understand the development and impact of HFSPO’s scientific portfolio.
• Provides scientific analyses and evidence to support strategic decision-making, Program development and continuous improvement across HFSPO.
• Leads the preparation and scientific interpretation of quantitative and qualitative evidence for periodic Program evaluations, external scientific reviews and the continuous assessment of scientific outcomes and impact.
• Works closely with colleagues responsible for program data to ensure the availability, quality and appropriate use of data required for scientific Program analytics and evaluation.

Senior Scientific Leadership and Cross-Program Support

• Provides senior scientific advice across HFSPO’s Programs and activities, supporting the Director of Awards and other colleagues on matters requiring scientific judgement and expertise.
• Provides guidance and support to Scientific Officers and Program Officers, fostering high standards of scientific and operational Program management and the effective sharing of expertise and experience.
• Provides scientific backstopping for other HFSP Programs and activities during peak workload periods or where additional expertise is required.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of new Programs, initiatives, policies and approaches within HFSPO’s scientific portfolio.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in the life sciences or in a scientific discipline at the interface with the life sciences, ideally accompanied by a cross-disciplinary and international career path, as evidenced by scientific publications. 
• At least seven years of relevant professional experience following the PhD, combining academic research with substantial experience in research funding, grant assessment and peer review. 
• Demonstrated scientific expertise in a field within the scientific scope of HFSP, together with the intellectual breadth and curiosity required to engage with the wide spectrum of research supported by the Program. 
• Sound understanding of the principles and practices of rigorous, fair and independent scientific peer review. 
• Strong analytical skills, including experience in interpreting quantitative and qualitative information relating to research programs, scientific outputs, outcomes or impact. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage a substantial and varied workload effectively, including competing priorities, complex processes and firm deadlines, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Strong project and program management skills. 
• Ability to exercise sound scientific judgement and handle complex or sensitive matters with discretion and integrity. 
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, scientific experts, applicants, awardees and external partners. 
• Experience of working in an international and multicultural environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contemporary software used in funding agencies, including AI-driven tools, and familiarity with digital systems for peer review, grant management, data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent written and spoken English, including outstanding scientific writing and editing skills.

LOCATION:

The position is based at the HFSPO Secretariat in Strasbourg, France. The position holder is expected to work primarily from the Secretariat, in accordance with HFSPO’s teleworking policy. The role involves international travel.

CONTRACT:

The position is offered under an initial three-year fixed-term contract, including a four-month probationary period, renewable once for a maximum further period of three years.

HFSPO offers a competitive international remuneration package based on its internal salary scale. The package includes health, unemployment, retirement and insurance coverage for the successful candidate and eligible family members, in accordance with French law. Internationally recruited candidates are eligible for moving and installation expenses and may qualify for an expatriation allowance.

WORKING WITH US

Joining HFSPO means working in a small, international and collaborative Secretariat dedicated to supporting frontier research in the life sciences. Our organizational culture reflects the international, interdisciplinary and collaborative character of the research we fund, and we are passionate about what we do.

We value diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as open science and sustainability. We are committed to the highest standards of integrity, accountability, independence and impartiality, transparency, respect and professional conduct. These shared values guide how we work together and how we support scientists at all stages of their careers and the wider scientific community.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application here by 30 November 2026. Applications should include a CV, a letter of motivation and contact details for two referees.

Interviews will be conducted in January 2027.