Provost Philosopher

La Société Royale de l'Alzamastrie is the most renowned organization for the study of Alzamastry in the world. The head of the society is titled the Provost Philosopher .

Requirements

The Provost Philosopher must already be a high ranking member of the Society, typically a head of a department. He or she must have proved themselves capable Alzamatrists, preferably with significant advances or discoveries under the name.
Although the position is officially open to any members of the society, in practice, the holder must be a noble birth. Only alzamatrists with a noble title have any hope of gaining the respect and support of the other nobles at the top to be accepted.
Another unofficial requirement is for the person to be French, or, failing that, from an Arbistrist country. At the very least, they need to be European. Though scholars from Africa, Asia, and the New World are accepted members, the French-based society very rarely promotes any of them to the higher ranks.

Appointment

Appointment of the Provost Philosopher is decided by election within the department heads, the next rank down from Philosopher. When a presiding Philosopher steps down, typically from retirement or death, interested parties submit an application. All applicants are given a chance to speak before the assembled department heads at the Palais d'Or and pitch their qualifications and aims for the society. This event is open to the public and typically host to a large audience, notably the king of France.
At the end of the event, the department heads convene in private to discuss the applicants and decide the most worthy. The aim is to have everyone mutually agree on one candidate, but sometimes votes are held when there is significant disagreement.
They inform the King of France of their decision, and he other confirms or rejects it. If rejected, they go back and re-discuss to find a second choice. The next morning, the new Philosopher Provost will be announced.

Duties

The Provost Philosopher is the head of the Société Royale de l'Alzamastrie. He has the final say in terms of funding distribution to various departments, resolves disputes between department heads, and represents the society in political situations.
He has the final say on what papers get published by the society in order to control their image. He ensures that shoddy research doesn't get out with the Society's name stamped on it. Sending one's paper to the Provost Philosopher for final review is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences for a member of the Society.
He is also expected to be the most learned scholar in the society, and both continue his own research and review others. When someone has hit a wall in their research, they may request the Provost Philosopher's help to review their work and suggest where to go next.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

The Philosopher of Provost can be ousted by a unanimous vote of non-confidence by the department heads. This could happen if he appears to be flagrantly mismanaging money, or putting out his own research that meets none of their standards. This is very rare and has only happened once, when Hubertus Devillers, Provost Philosopher from 1714 - 1721) developed dementia and was removed from office.
Alternatively, the King of France can remove a Provost Philosopher at any time and for any reason he likes.

Type

Scientific, Professional

Source of Authority

The Provost Philosopher's authority is derived from the members of the Society who have agreed he or she has it. Indirectly, it comes from the King of France, who has the power to veto appointments and funds the Society.

Length of Term

Indefinite. Bearers hold it until retirement or death.