Position Description

The Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director, a rare opportunity to lead one of the world’s most influential mathematical research institutes at a pivotal moment in its history. This five-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal, calls for an internationally respected mathematician and accomplished leader who is prepared to guide SLMath through a period of strategic evolution, financial complexity, and extraordinary intellectual possibility. The Institute welcomes applications from visionary leaders as well as nominations of colleagues whose experience and stature uniquely position them to shape the future of mathematical sciences.

Founded in 1982 as the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), SLMath is among the world’s preeminent centers for research in the mathematical sciences. Located in the hills above the University of California, Berkeley campus, the Institute hosts approximately 2,000 mathematicians annually from around the world for research residencies ranging from weeks to a full academic year. While independent of UC Berkeley, SLMath maintains a close and collegial relationship with the campus and its mathematics department. Renowned for its retreat-like environment, exceptional staff, and global convening power, SLMath also plays a vital role in education, outreach, and public engagement, supported by federal agencies, academic institutions, private foundations, and philanthropic partners.

The Director serves as SLMath’s chief scientific and administrative leader, reporting to the Board of Trustees and stewarding the Institute’s mission, culture, and long-term vitality. Central to the role is articulating and advancing a compelling scientific vision that sustains SLMath’s historic strength in foundational mathematics while positioning the Institute to respond thoughtfully to emerging areas, including interfaces with applied mathematics, data science, and artificial intelligence. Working closely with the Scientific Advisory Committee, Deputy Director, and senior leadership team, the Director will help shape a dynamic and forward-looking program portfolio that balances excellence, innovation, and community trust.

The Director also bears primary responsibility for SLMath’s external relationships and financial sustainability, including stewardship of the Institute’s relationship with the National Science Foundation and leadership of future renewal efforts. In partnership with advancement colleagues, the Director will engage actively in philanthropic development and clearly articulate SLMath’s distinctive value to funders, donors, policymakers, and academic partners, while remaining attentive to the mathematical community’s values regarding independence and funding sources. Internally, the Director is expected to foster a culture of trust, collegiality, and shared purpose, leading with emotional intelligence, transparency, and a commitment to empowering a deeply dedicated staff and leadership team.

SLMath seeks an internationally recognized mathematician with a distinguished record of scholarly achievement and the perspective to set long-range intellectual direction for the field. The successful candidate will bring deep familiarity with the culture and rhythms of advanced mathematical research and the credibility to represent SLMath as an active leader within the U.S. and global mathematical communities. Ideally, the Director will qualify for a tenured faculty appointment at the level of full professor, or as a professor in residence, in the Department of Mathematics at UC Berkeley, and will be prepared to champion the enduring and evolving importance of mathematics in science and society.

SLMath will offer an annual salary range of $350,000-$425,000 for this role.

SLMath is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions in compliance with all applicable equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. 

SLMath prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race), color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition including genetic characteristics, AIDS/HIV status, family care status, military or veteran status, marital status or registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, height, weight, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, arrest record, or taking or requesting statutorily protected leaves, or any other basis protected by federal, state of California, or local laws.

SLMath will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who submit a written request for an accommodation so long as the accommodation would not impose an undue hardship on SLMath, and would enable the individual to apply for, or perform the essential functions of, the position in question. A healthcare practitioner’s certification, which substantiates and clarifies the limitations, may be required. All reasonable accommodations should be directed to, managed by, and granted or denied by the Operations Manager.

Employees of SLMath will receive a handbook with employee-specific policies, including California Civil Rights Department and federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) information.

View the Institute's Disability and Accommodations Statement.