Application Guide

How to Apply for Partner (Policy & Government Programs)

at Convergent Research

🏢 About Convergent Research

Convergent Research is unique for creating Focused Research Organizations (FROs) - purpose-built institutions designed to solve specific technological bottlenecks rather than pursuing incremental science. They operate at the intersection of ambitious scientific breakthroughs and institutional innovation, making them ideal for those who want to build entirely new scientific ecosystems rather than work within existing ones.

About This Role

As Partner (Policy & Government Programs), you'll be responsible for securing and growing federal funding for FROs while serving as the bridge between breakthrough science and government policy. This role directly enables ambitious scientific projects by translating complex research into compelling policy narratives and building strategic partnerships with agencies like NSF and OSTP.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning strategy sessions with FRO founders on government funding approaches, followed by drafting policy briefs that translate complex scientific goals into compelling narratives for agency leadership. Afternoons could include Capitol Hill meetings to advocate for specific funding mechanisms, then mentoring sessions with scientific teams on navigating government systems while maintaining ambitious research visions.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Convergent Research Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of hands-on experience navigating federal funding systems (NSF, DOE, DARPA) with proven success in securing multi-million dollar grants
  • Demonstrates experience building new institutions or programs from scratch, not just working within existing government structures
  • Can point to specific examples of translating complex scientific concepts into policy language that secured sustained public funding
  • Has served on advisory boards or governance roles for scientific organizations and understands the unique challenges of mission-driven research institutions

📝 Tips for Applying to Convergent Research

1

Quantify your federal funding successes - mention specific dollar amounts, agencies, and programs you've secured funding from

2

Include examples where you've built something from scratch (programs, initiatives, organizations) rather than just managed existing systems

3

Demonstrate your understanding of FROs by referencing specific Convergent Research projects like the Telescope or Flash projects

4

Show how you've navigated 'bureaucrat-ese' by including specific government terminology and processes you've mastered

5

Highlight experiences where you've mentored scientific founders or researchers through government funding processes

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Specific examples of securing federal funding for ambitious (not incremental) scientific projects', 'Experience building new institutions or programs from the ground up, particularly at the science-policy interface', "Understanding of Convergent Research's specific FRO model and how you would advance it through policy channels", 'Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling policy narratives that secure sustained support']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Convergent Research's existing FROs (Telescope, Flash, etc.) and understand their specific technological bottlenecks
  • → Research the leadership team's backgrounds in both science and policy to understand their operating philosophy
  • → Understand the current federal funding landscape for ambitious scientific projects and identify potential gaps FROs could fill
  • → Review Convergent Research's public communications and policy positions to understand their specific approach to science advocacy

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a specific instance where you secured federal funding for a breakthrough (not incremental) scientific project
2 How would you approach building relationships with NSF/OSTP leadership specifically for FROs versus traditional research institutions?
3 Describe a time you had to translate highly technical scientific concepts for policymakers who had no scientific background
4 What strategies would you use to grow Convergent Research's government funding portfolio beyond current channels?
5 How have you mentored scientific founders through the challenges of institutional design and government systems?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on experience within established institutions rather than building new ones from scratch
  • Emphasizing incremental scientific improvements rather than breakthrough, field-creating research
  • Using generic government relations language without demonstrating specific understanding of science funding mechanisms
  • Failing to show how you've personally built or created something new rather than just managed existing programs

📅 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 Convergent Research!

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