Applied Research & Technology Lead (Volunteer)

Description

Applied Research & Technology Lead (Volunteer)

Firefighter Special Projects | Technology, Data & Applied Research

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Role Type: Volunteer (Senior Technical & Research Leadership Role)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and creative expression. Through Thread & Promise Special Projects, MAP also advances applied research and innovation initiatives that support firefighter health, safety, and long-term well-being.

MAP’s technology and research work is grounded in a core principle: technology must support firefighters—not burden them.

Role Overview

The Applied Research & Technology Lead (Volunteer) integrates data, technology, and real-world safety needsacross MAP’s Firefighter Special Projects. This role oversees the evaluation, coordination, and pilot testing of wearable technologies, sensors, and monitoring tools—ensuring innovation is practical, ethical, and operationally relevant.

This is a senior volunteer leadership role that bridges research, engineering, and firefighter experience to translate emerging technology into usable, field-informed solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead applied research and technology strategy for firefighter-focused initiatives
• Oversee wearable technology, sensors, and monitoring systems used in projects
• Coordinate pilot testing and field validation of new technologies
• Ensure technology supports firefighter safety and performance without adding operational burden
• Align research outputs with fireground and operational needs
• Collaborate with firefighters, engineers, designers, and safety experts
• Evaluate data relevance, quality, and ethical use
• Uphold safety, privacy, and consent standards across all research activity
• Translate findings into actionable insights for design and decision-making

Qualifications

• Experience in applied research, engineering, data science, human factors, or technology development
• Familiarity with wearable tech, sensors, or monitoring tools
• Strong understanding of user-centered or human-centered design
• Ability to bridge research, technology, and operational practice
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and safety-first values

Preferred Backgrounds

• Applied research or technology program leadership
• Experience in public safety, healthcare, industrial safety, or defense-related technology
• Familiarity with firefighter operations, PPE, or occupational health research
• Experience running pilots or field-based testing programs

Commitment

• Volunteer leadership role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Remote with NYC-based collaboration as projects require

What You’ll Gain

• Senior-level volunteer leadership experience in applied research and technology
• Direct impact on firefighter safety and health innovation
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary experts and first responders
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to help shape responsible, human-centered safety technology

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through Idealist.

Help ensure technology strengthens firefighter safety—by grounding innovation in data, ethics, and real-world use.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.