Knight Initiative, Director of Scientific Portfolio

Knight Initiative, Director of Scientific Portfolio[Dean of Research, Stanford, California, United States]( 22, 2025 Post Date107518 Requisition #*SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:*
The Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience is a bold effort to advance a new science of healthy brain aging and novel approaches to combat neurodegenerative disease.

The Knight Initiative is embedded operationally in the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, an interdisciplinary institute dedicated to advancing our understanding of the mind and brain in health and in disease and leveraging that knowledge for the benefit of society.

The initiative seeks a strategic professional to serve as Director of Scientific Portfolio.

The Director of Scientific Portfolio will translate scientific vision into actionable efforts, manage special projects and ensure the long-term success of the Knight Initiative's scientific endeavors. This position reports directly to the Faculty Director for the Knight Initiative and will maintain a dotted line relationship with Wu Tsai Neuro's Executive Director. The dotted line reporting indicates that, in addition to the primary responsibilities assigned by the direct supervisor, the Director of Scientific Portfolio will work with the dotted line supervisor on specific projects and efforts, requiring effective communication and coordination including collaborative work with the Wu Tsai Neuro core administrative team.

The ideal candidate will:

* Demonstrate outstanding project management skills, handling multiple complex projects simultaneously

* Possess strong written and verbal communication skills, creating compelling presentations and reports

* Stay current with scientific trends and translate them into actionable insights

* Adapt comfortably to evolving priorities in a dynamic environment

* Show passion for scientific advancement and a willingness to navigate complex academic and research environments

* Be resourceful in finding solutions within Stanford's ecosystem

The successful applicant will be adept at representing the Initiative's efforts to stakeholders in written, verbal and graphic form, while managing the intricacies of a multifaceted scientific portfolio. This role requires a blend of scientific acumen, strategic thinking, and operational excellence to drive the Knight Initiative's mission forward.

*CORE DUTIES:*

* Lead and oversee development, implementation, administration, and evaluation of the scientific portfolio of the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience. Oversee analysis, reporting, and portfolio improvements.

* Oversee the development, adherence to, and implementation of policies and procedures related to the scientific portfolio.

* Lead strategic planning for the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience.

* Represent the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience to the broader university, external community, and other stakeholders. Provide expert consultation related to development, funding opportunities, or other specialty areas.

* Develop outreach strategy related to communications, development, partnerships and fundraising/funding for Knight Initiative Scientific Portfolio. May identify external funding opportunities and write proposals and research grants.

* Develop and oversee strategic financial planning and sustainability for the Knight Initiative, as needed; monitor performance and ensure appropriate controls.

* Coach and mentor staff related to the Knight Initiative Scientific Portfolio.

*MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:*
*Education & Experience:*
Advanced degree and five years of relevant experience in area of specialization or combination of relevant education, training, and/or experience. For jobs with financial responsibilities, experience managing a budget and developing financial plans. Experience developing program partnerships and funding sources.
*PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:*
*Education & Experience:*
* PhD in Neuroscience or closely related field strongly preferred.
*Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:*

* Ability to influence and establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment.

* Ability to develop program partnerships

* Advanced oral, written, and analytical skills

* Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.

* Experience leading scientific, engineering or technical research projects

* Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and make decisions that meet university objectives in a collaborative culture.

* Ability to manage budgets and develop financial plans.

*PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:*
Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, perform desk-based computer tasks.
Occasionally use a telephone, writing by hand, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds.
Rarely sort/file paperwork or parts.
Ability to use voice to present information/communicate with others.
On-campus mobility
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

*WORKING CONDITIONS:*
May work extended hours, evenings or weekends.
May travel locally.
Occasional overnight travel.

*WORK STANDARDS:*

* Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

* Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

* Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, [

*Onsite/Hybrid*
The expected pay range for this position is $139,741 to $179,496 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ([ provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

*Why Stanford is for You*
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our [culture]( and [unique perks]( empower you with:

* *Freedom to grow. *We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

* *A caring culture. *We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

* *A healthier you. *Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

* *Discovery and fun.* Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

* *Enviable resources.* Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a [contact form](

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
* Schedule: Full-time
* Job Code: 4113
* Employee Status: Regular
* Grade: K
* Requisition ID: 107518
* Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible