The Serrapilheira Institute is recruiting a new Executive Director to lead the organization as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2027. Learn more about the position, application materials, and selection process.

About the Institute

The Serrapilheira Institute is Brazil’s first private, nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to advancing science. Since 2017, the Institute has supported early-career researchers studying fundamental questions in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science, and has invested in training scientists and strengthening science journalism and science communication.

Since its inception, Serrapilheira has provided financial support to over 400 science and science communication projects, investing more than BRL 120 million.

The Position

The Executive Director oversees the Institute’s overall strategy, team, and programs. In this capacity, they ensure the quality and strategic coherence of all initiatives and their alignment with the institutional mission. The Executive Director maintains an ongoing dialogue with the Board of Trustees and receives guidance from the Scientific Advisory Board. The Executive Director is responsible for budget execution, the quality of the grant selection and monitoring processes, and representing the Institute to the scientific community, government bodies, funders, partner organizations, the press, and society in Brazil and internationally.

The position requires a regular presence at the Institute’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, as well as availability for domestic and international travel.

Minimum Requirements

We are seeking a professional with a solid academic background who meets the following requirements:

1. A Ph.D.
2. A broad understanding of the university environment and the scientific research system, both nationally and internationally.
3. Proven experience in leadership and management, preferably gained in scientific institutions, philanthropic organizations, funding agencies, or environments related to the promotion of science and innovation.
4. Fluency in Portuguese and English
5. Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage in dialogue with scientists, the press, and national and international partner institutions.

Particular consideration will be given to professionals who combine strategic vision with the ability to build consensus and represent the Institute clearly, competently, and in an inspiring manner.

Application

Applications must include two documents:

• A concise CV (maximum three pages);
• A strategic proposal for the Institute (maximum five pages), presenting: (i) the candidate’s assessment of Serrapilheira, including its achievements, its position within the national scientific landscape, and its current challenges; (ii) areas for growth identified by the candidate; and (iii) strategic ideas for the next five years.

The proposal is the centerpiece of the application. Beyond credentials, we are looking for a clear, ambitious, and realistic vision of what the Institute can become.

The proposal should analyze the Institute’s current position and the risks and opportunities for the next five years. It should also set out strategic priorities, including financial sustainability, program development and enhancement, internationalization, science communication, institutional influence, and diversity, together with monitoring indicators. Finally, the proposal should present the candidate’s management principles.

Compensation

Gross monthly salary: BRL 54,000, plus benefits.

Application Process

Applications may only be submitted through this form.

The application deadline is September 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Brasília time).

Applications must be submitted in Portuguese, in PDF format, using Arial or Times New Roman font, size 11 or 12, with 1.5-line spacing.

A search committee appointed by the Board of Trustees will conduct the selection process. The committee members are:

Francilene Garcia (SBPC)

Lorena Fleury (UFRGS)

Marcelo Viana (IMPA)

Pedro Wongtschowski (USP)

Mercedes Bustamante (UnB)

Committee members must disclose any conflicts of interest and maintain the confidentiality of all information they receive.

The selection process consists of two stages:

I – CV and proposal review (screening round)

II – Interview

The following criteria will be evaluated: leadership and management experience; understanding of the national science and technology system; quality and feasibility of the institutional project; strategic vision; communication and coordination skills; and commitment to the Institute’s values.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with the selection committee.

The Institute values diversity and encourages applications from people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, regions, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to ensure the full participation of individuals with disabilities throughout the selection process.

Any personal information or documents submitted will be used solely for purposes related to the selection process, in accordance with applicable data protection and confidentiality regulations. This information may be shared with the selection committee, the Board of Trustees, and consultants directly involved in the process.

Questions may be directed to selecao@serrapilheira.org .