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Assistant/Associate/Full Project Scientist - Synthetic Biology Science Policy, EBRC - QB3 - QB3

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Position overview

Position title: EBRC Associate Director or EBRC Director
Salary range: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and based on UC Berkeley Project Scientist salary scale.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Spring 2021
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension bases on performance and availability of funidng.

Position description

Description:

EBRC in the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3 Institute) at the University of California, Berkeley is a non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to bringing together an inclusive community committed to advancing engineering biology to address national and global needs. It showcases cutting-edge research in engineering biology, identifies pressing challenges and opportunities in research and application, and articulates compelling research roadmaps and programs to address these challenges and opportunities.

The Assistant/ Associate/Full Project Scientist will serve as an EBRC Associate Director or Director. The successful candidate is responsible for conducting public policy (science policy) research and engagement for the advancement of engineering biology. Working with academic and institutional membership, government stakeholders, and the engineering biology community, the successful candidate will serve as lead staff for one of EBRC’s four Focus Areas (Research Road mapping, Policy & International Engagement, Security, and Education and Workforce Development), directing and supporting a member-led Working Group to develop and achieve program objectives in alignment with organizational goals. Particularly in the Focus Area for which they are primarily responsible, the successful candidate will develop programs, activities, policy proposals, and communication materials that improve the ability of engineering biology researchers to advance and accelerate their work. Reporting to EBRC’s Executive Director, and working as a member of the EBRC Team, the Associate Director/Director will contribute to organizational goal setting, program development, and execution of cross-cutting efforts and activities. He/she/they may lead and/or supervise other project staff.

Core duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
● Working with the Executive Director, EBRC members, and the engineering biology community to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities relevant to engineering biology, particularly in the Focus Area of responsibility.
● Facilitating dialogue between government officials, researchers, and other stakeholders; developing proposals, programs and activities that leverage member expertise to advance work and address challenges in that area.
● Serving as lead staff for a Focus area and Working Group; supporting WG chair and engaging members to set goals and achieve objectives.
● Developing expert knowledge on trends in national and global research in engineering biology and periodically publishing and presenting on these trends. Researching the current funding mechanisms for the field, identifying and assessing barriers and opportunities that affect outcomes and recommending actions based on that research.
● Developing high-quality reports, research articles, white papers, proposals, or other materials on the state of the field and policy issues from various sectors, by independently conducting research and analysis, and/or by managing and facilitating contributions from expert EBRC members.
● Where appropriate, managing communication for activities and dissemination of EBRC reports and products; developing briefing materials for US Government agencies and/or leadership.
● Incorporating cross-disciplinary technical and non-technical topics (e.g. ethics, security, bioeconomy, training/education, regulation, diversity, equity, etc…) critical to engineering biology into program activities.
● Developing outreach and engagement initiatives, including workshops, to advance both technical and non-technical aspects of engineering biology research to address societal challenges; developing outreach tools and materials that will encourage researchers to assess and incorporate non-technical considerations into their work.
● Building and maintaining relationships with the academic, government and industrial research communities, including those beyond EBRC, as well as relevant communities.
● Representing EBRC by being active and visible in the research community and by working closely with industry partners, funding agencies, communications outlets, policy-makers, and the broader public.

This position provides full benefits.

This position is covered by the UC-UAW collective bargaining agreement for Academic Researchers. The current contract can be found here:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/ra/index.html. Additional information can be found on the website:
http://academicresearchersunited.org/

The department is interested in candidates who will contribute to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

PhD or equivalent international degree.

Preferred qualifications
  • The candidate has experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, and has demonstrated experience in science policy with the ability to work at the interface of research and government. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience writing for diverse audiences.
  • The candidate has strong interest and/or demonstrable engagement on topics relevant to ethics, responsible conduct, and/or diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • The candidate has experience relevant to one of EBRC’s four Focus Areas (Research Roadmapping, Policy & International Engagement, Security, and Education and Workforce Development) related to engineering biology.
  • Broad technical and/or social sciences background relevant to engineering biology; able to synthesize inputs from a diverse group of EBRC members.
  • The candidate has experience working in an academic research laboratory and/or a demonstrated (technical or social sciences) research background and the requisite professional experiences to independently conduct research and publish.
  • The candidate has particular knowledge, experience, and/or expertise in one of the four Technical Themes (i.e., Data Science, Engineering DNA, Host Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering), and/or the five Application and Impact Sectors (i.e., Climate & Environment, Food & Agriculture, Energy, Health & Medicine, Industrial Biotech) described in EBRC’s Engineering Biology: A Research Roadmap for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy (2019).

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF02956

Help contact: alee@ebrc.org

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Emeryville, CA