Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Program Scientist, AI and Advanced Computing Institute
at Schmidt Sciences
🏢 About Schmidt Sciences
Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropic initiative founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that funds high-risk, high-reward scientific research to accelerate discovery. Unlike traditional research institutions, it operates with venture capital-like agility to identify and support transformative scientific opportunities, particularly in AI and advanced computing. Working here offers the chance to shape global AI research direction through strategic funding while being part of an organization that bridges academic rigor with entrepreneurial speed.
About This Role
As Senior Program Scientist for the AI and Advanced Computing Institute, you'll lead technical strategy and manage teams while positioning Schmidt Sciences as the premier global funder of AI research. This role involves identifying breakthrough opportunities in AI, managing grant portfolios, and building scientific ecosystems through convening and thought leadership. Your work will directly influence which AI research directions receive funding and support, making this a uniquely impactful position at the intersection of science, philanthropy, and technology leadership.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing AI research proposals, providing technical feedback to grant applicants, and meeting with scientific teams to discuss progress on funded projects. You'd likely spend time analyzing emerging AI trends to inform funding strategy while collaborating with other Schmidt Sciences leaders on cross-institute initiatives. The role balances deep technical evaluation with strategic planning and ecosystem engagement through virtual convenings or partnership discussions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Schmidt Sciences Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years of senior experience in AI/advanced computing with publications, patents, or significant technical contributions that demonstrate deep expertise
- Possesses proven experience managing technical teams AND managing research funding portfolios (grants, programs, or similar scientific investments)
- Can articulate specific examples of identifying and addressing 'hard technical challenges' in AI with measurable outcomes
- Demonstrates ability to bridge academic research with practical applications while maintaining scientific rigor
📝 Tips for Applying to Schmidt Sciences
Quantify your impact on AI research funding - include metrics like grant amounts managed, research programs launched, or scientific outcomes achieved through your funding decisions
Highlight specific experience convening scientific communities (workshops, conferences, consortiums) and how those activities advanced AI research
Demonstrate understanding of Schmidt Sciences' unique model by referencing specific past initiatives or their approach to 'high-risk, high-reward' funding
Show how you've positioned organizations as leaders - include examples of thought leadership (keynotes, publications, media) that elevated an institution's profile
Connect your technical AI expertise directly to funding decisions - explain how your technical judgment informed which research to support and why
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with AI grantmaking or research program management, including portfolio size and impact metrics', "Examples of how you've identified and addressed hard technical challenges in AI, with outcomes that advanced the field", "Your vision for positioning an organization as the premier global funder of AI research, referencing Schmidt Sciences' existing initiatives", 'How your technical leadership experience translates to managing both scientific teams and funding strategies simultaneously']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Schmidt Sciences' existing AI portfolio (past and current initiatives) to understand their funding priorities and approach
- → Research Eric Schmidt's public statements about AI and scientific funding to align with organizational philosophy
- → Review how Schmidt Sciences differs from traditional foundations (like Gates) or government funders (like NSF) in their operating model
- → Investigate their convening activities - what workshops, summits, or collaborations have they organized in AI/advanced computing?
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on technical AI expertise without demonstrating experience with research funding or grantmaking
- Presenting generic leadership experience without specific examples of managing scientific programs or ecosystems
- Failing to articulate how you would position Schmidt Sciences uniquely against established AI research funders like OpenAI, DeepMind, or government agencies
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Schmidt Sciences!