Application Guide

How to Apply for Founder in Residence, Scaling grid construction and deployment

at Deep Science Ventures

🏢 About Deep Science Ventures

Deep Science Ventures is a venture studio that creates science-based companies from scratch to solve global challenges. Their focus on restoring ecosystems and reversing global heating means you'll work on high-impact climate solutions, not incremental improvements. The Founder in Residence model gives you unique autonomy to build a company from the ground up with DSV's support.

About This Role

As Founder in Residence, you'll lead the creation of a company that revolutionizes high-voltage transmission construction using modular, off-site manufactured components. This role is impactful because it directly addresses the bottleneck in grid expansion for renewable energy—reducing costs and deployment time. You'll refine the technical thesis, build the team, and secure funding to spin out the company by Q4 2027.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning calls with potential co-founders or advisors to refine the technical thesis, followed by deep-dive research into modular foundation designs or regulatory pathways. Afternoons could be spent drafting commercial strategy, preparing investor materials, or reviewing prototype test results with a partner lab. Evenings might include networking events or writing grant proposals.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Deep Science Ventures Is Looking For

  • Deep engineering expertise in modular structural systems, advanced connections, lightweight materials, foundation engineering, or automated construction (civil/mechanical engineering core).
  • Proven experience in translational execution across the full lifecycle of large grid or energy infrastructure projects, including regulatory navigation and prototype delivery.
  • Strongly preferred: network in transmission operators, EPC contractors, or utilities; business development or fundraising experience for infrastructure or climate tech.
  • Entrepreneurial drive and comfort with ambiguity—you'll define the company's strategy from scratch and recruit co-founders.

📝 Tips for Applying to Deep Science Ventures

1

Tailor your resume to highlight modular construction or grid infrastructure projects; quantify cost or time savings achieved.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your engineering expertise to the thesis of fragmentation and modularity for transmission towers.

3

Mention any experience with off-site manufacture, rapid deployment, or automated construction—even if not in grid context.

4

Leverage your network: if you have contacts at transmission operators or EPC firms, name-drop them strategically.

5

Show you understand the regulatory landscape for transmission projects (e.g., FERC, NEPA) and how modularity can navigate it.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain why you're passionate about climate infrastructure and the specific problem of high-voltage transmission costs.", 'Highlight your technical experience with modular systems and your track record of delivering infrastructure projects.', 'Describe your entrepreneurial experience or readiness to build a company from scratch, including fundraising or team building.', 'Demonstrate your understanding of the market opportunity and how your network can accelerate commercial traction.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Deep Science Ventures' past ventures (e.g., in energy, materials) to understand their venture creation process and typical timelines.
  • → Research current transmission construction costs and bottlenecks (e.g., from DOE, NREL, or IEEE reports) to speak knowledgeably.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key players in the transmission industry: major EPC contractors (Bechtel, Kiewit), operators (PJM, CAISO), and innovative startups like GridUnity or LineVision.
  • → Review recent policy developments (e.g., Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, FERC Order 1920) that affect transmission buildout.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience with modular structural systems—what worked, what didn't, and why?
2 How would you approach the regulatory and permitting challenges for modular transmission towers?
3 What's your commercial strategy for the first 18 months? Who are the initial customers and how do you reach them?
4 Describe a time you had to recruit a team from scratch. How did you identify and attract top talent?
5 How do you think about cost reduction in transmission construction? Give specific examples of modular approaches.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't be too generic—avoid vague statements about 'saving the planet' without concrete engineering or business experience.
  • Don't underestimate the regulatory complexity; failing to mention permitting or interconnection challenges shows lack of domain understanding.
  • Don't propose a fully developed business plan—this role is about refining the thesis, not presenting a done deal. Show flexibility.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Deep Science Ventures!

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