Research Analyst

Position: Research Analyst

Reports to: Senior Director, Philanthropic Advising

Location: New York City, hybrid

Status: Full-time, exempt

About the Science Philanthropy Alliance

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world’s first and longest-standing organization dedicated to advising philanthropists on giving to discovery science (also known as basic science). Founded in 2014 by six visionary foundations, the Alliance has grown into a vibrant network of over 40 member organizations and a global community of funders, scientists, and advisors committed to advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity.

We support both emerging and established science funders with tailored advisory services including landscape analyses, program design, and connections to leading scientific experts across disciplines. Beyond advising, we convene funders and leaders in academia and government to foster connection, shared learning, and innovation.

At the heart of our work is a unique model: our advisory services are provided at no cost to philanthropists, made possible by the generosity and shared vision of our members. This approach allows us to remain impartial, flexible, and fully focused on helping funders achieve meaningful impact.

Our interdisciplinary team and network of renowned science advisors bring deep expertise in philanthropic strategy and emerging scientific research. Together, we provide the insights, guidance, and connections that help philanthropists make a lasting impact.

Position Summary

The Research Analyst provides science analysis to guide philanthropic strategy and contributes to research across other scientific domains.

Responsibilities

The Research Analyst’s responsibilities include:

• Serve as primary lead for specific projects, particularly those related to physical sciences, environmental research, climate research, and other scientific disciplines, managing and executing outreach and engagement as needed.
• Conduct research including literature reviews and landscape analysis on philanthropic and discovery science topics.
• Develop research tools including interview guides and surveys.
• Apply scientific and analytical expertise to evaluate research proposals, conduct due diligence, and provide strategic guidance on portfolio development and grant program design.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data from both primary and secondary research; conduct direct quantitative and qualitative data analysis as needed.
• Partner with Alliance advisors to develop reports, white papers, data visualization and presentations.
• Provide programmatic support to member organizations, as directed, which may include development of requests for proposals, review of project proposals, sourcing of scientific expert reviewers, coordination of review processes, drafting of grant agreements, grant management, and other tasks.
• Provide support to scientists referred by members by helping them to network, identify resources, and funding opportunities.
• Participate in meetings, events, and workshops to discuss research findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with Alliance staff on communications strategies, event planning, strategic planning, and operations.
• Contribute to an inclusive and respectful professional culture and environment.
• Identify, design, and contribute to reports or scientific publications that advance the mission and educational objectives of the Alliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum masters’ degree or equivalent, with some experience in a science related field; preference will be given to those with experience in physical sciences, environmental science, and climate research and a demonstrated ability to translate climate science for non-experts.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in advising, consulting, research, and/or communications within a research- related institution, foundation, or a non-profit organization dedicated to science.
• Demonstrated understanding of measurement, evaluation and learning.
• Ability to use evidence to inform decision making.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in writing and editing materials with scientific content (letters, white papers, summary documents).
• Ability to prepare presentations with scientific content; preferred experience creating basic graphic.
• Unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness; a fine-tuned sense of discretion in the handling of confidential and sensitive matters.
• Comfortable working with Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn to use relational databases (Salesforce or a related CRM).

Position specifics

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000. The Alliance offers a robust benefits package including full medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits, retirement plan participation and flexible spending accounts, vacation, personal, and volunteer leave benefits. The Alliance’s New York City based team is expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.

How to apply

Please submit a résumé and answer a short questionnaire at this link. No calls please.

The Science Philanthropy Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

The Alliance offers a robust benefits package including full medical, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits, retirement plan participation and flexible spending accounts, vacation, personal, and volunteer leave benefits. The Alliance’s New York City based team is expected to work in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.