How to apply for Managing Director

About Secure DNA Project

Secure DNA is a unique global initiative combining academic life scientists, cryptographers, and policy analysts to develop an automated DNA screening system that ensures secure and universal DNA synthesis. This project has the potential to revolutionize biosecurity and make a significant impact on global health and safety. Working here means being at the forefront of a mission-driven effort to prevent biological threats while promoting open science.

About the role

As Managing Director, you will be the operational backbone of this ambitious project, setting strategic direction and building the infrastructure to support a small, distributed team. You'll own everything from hiring and people operations to financial sustainability, ensuring the project has the resources and structure to achieve its critical mission. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine leadership with a deep sense of purpose, directly contributing to a safer world.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a video call with team members in different time zones, reviewing progress on biosecurity strategy or hiring initiatives. You might spend time drafting a grant proposal, meeting with potential funders, or working with contractors to improve internal systems. Later, you could mentor a staff member on their career development or analyze financial reports to adjust budgets, all while staying focused on advancing the project's mission.

Who Secure DNA Project is looking for

• A proven leader with experience in biosecurity or scientific organizations, who understands the nuances of managing interdisciplinary teams.
• A strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing long-term plans, adept at navigating complex challenges in a fast-paced, evolving field.
• Experienced in building teams and systems from the ground up, including hiring, people operations, and vendor management, ideally in a remote-first environment.
• Financially savvy, with experience in fundraising, budget management, and ensuring long-term sustainability for a non-profit or research-driven organization.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in biosecurity or related scientific fields, and be specific about how you've contributed to projects with a global impact.
• Demonstrate your ability to build and scale operations in a remote, distributed team environment, providing concrete examples of systems you've implemented.
• Showcase your fundraising success and financial management skills, including any experience with grants, donors, or non-profit funding models.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your leadership in interdisciplinary settings, especially where you've managed scientists, engineers, or policy experts.
• Since the team is global and remote, mention your experience working with diverse, cross-cultural teams and your proficiency with digital collaboration tools.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Express genuine passion for biosecurity and the mission of Secure DNA, and explain why you're personally invested in the project's success.", "Detail your leadership experience in scientific or biosecurity organizations, highlighting how you've driven strategic initiatives and built effective teams.", 'Quantify your financial management achievements, such as funds raised, budgets managed, or cost savings, to demonstrate your ability to ensure sustainability.', "Emphasize your ability to work autonomously and manage multiple priorities in a remote setting, showing you're self-motivated and results-oriented."]

Research before applying

• Read the Secure DNA project's website and any published papers or blog posts to understand their technology and current progress.
• Research the team members and their backgrounds to understand the expertise and culture of the organization.
• Look into the broader biosecurity landscape, including other DNA synthesis screening initiatives and regulatory frameworks, to contextualize SecureDNA's work.
• Review recent news or press releases about SecureDNA to stay up-to-date on their latest developments and future plans.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach setting SecureDNA's biosecurity direction and domain strategy? What factors would you consider?
• Describe your experience with hiring and people operations in a remote, distributed team. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• What is your strategy for ensuring long-term financial sustainability for a non-profit project like SecureDNA? How would you diversify funding sources?
• How do you manage and mentor staff in a remote environment to maintain productivity and morale?
• Given the interdisciplinary nature of the team (scientists, cryptographers, policy analysts), how would you foster effective collaboration and communication?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't overlook the remote-first nature of the role; avoid emphasizing office-based management experience without addressing how you'd adapt to a distributed team.
• Don't underestimate the importance of fundraising; ensure you clearly communicate your experience and ideas for financial sustainability, as it's a core responsibility.
• Avoid being too generic in your application; make sure to explicitly connect your skills and experiences to the specific mission and needs of SecureDNA.