Associate Laboratory Director for Biosciences

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Associate Laboratory Director for Biosciences. Reporting to the Laboratory Director, the Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) is accountable for strategic planning, people and operations leadership, research quality and integrity, and communication for the Biosciences Area, one of six scientific Areas at Berkeley Lab. The ALD for Biosciences is also responsible for advancing Berkeley Lab’s stewardship values of team science, innovation, trust, respect, and service, including building and maintaining a culture that is committed to the ideals of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.

Berkeley Lab’s Biosciences Area is the largest biosciences program in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Lab system, with research funding of $176 million in FY2021, much of it from two DOE research offices – Biological and Environmental Research and the Bioenergy Technology Office – in addition to significant National Institutes of Health support. The Area’s 10-year strategic plan (revised in 2019) is based upon a vision to use integrated research teams to solve national challenges in energy, environment, health, and biomanufacturing. The ALD for Biosciences will lead the development of strategies for harnessing Berkeley Lab’s innovative, multidisciplinary capabilities to achieve and evolve this vision. The ALD interacts with external sponsors and other National Laboratories, promotes partnerships with academia and industry, and guides the development of externally sponsored research projects and programs consistent with the Laboratory’s overall vision and strategy. 

As a key member of the Laboratory’s Senior Leadership Team, the ALD works closely with the Laboratory Director and Deputy Laboratory Directors to formulate and execute Berkeley Lab’s strategic priorities and initiatives. Together with the other Associate Laboratory Directors, they will actively participate in institutional research and management initiatives, developing cross-Area research proposals and shepherding these efforts through their life cycle. The ALD will work with their management teams and Operations staff to develop and execute priorities for facility operations and planning. The successful candidate will be supported in maintaining an active research program if desired.

About the Biosciences Area at Berkeley Lab:

Berkeley Lab’s Biosciences Area is a leader in the advancement of biological science relevant to national-scale challenges in energy, environment, health, biomanufacturing, and technology development. Enabled by Berkeley Lab’s world-class user facilities and complementary research programs, our scientists and engineers contribute groundbreaking discoveries and innovative solutions using biology to solve energy and environmental challenges. Biosciences Area research is conducted by nearly 700 staff and over 650 affiliates in three Divisions and one User Facility: Biological Systems and Engineering, Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, and the DOE Office of Science National User Facility Joint Genome Institute (JGI). Learn more about the Area here.

When it was founded over 90 years ago in 1931, Berkeley Lab ushered in a new way of doing science based on building large teams of researchers from different fields, along with engineers, mathematicians, machinists, and accountants, to tackle significant scientific challenges together.  This approach has led to Berkeley Lab researchers winning 14 Nobel Prizes and a research portfolio that includes significant and often world-leading programs in physics, chemistry, materials sciences, biosciences, advanced computing, scientific networking, energy and energy technologies, and environmental sciences. “Team Science” remains an integral part of Berkeley Lab’s DNA, where research is carried out across multiple scientific disciplines.

Berkeley Lab has a dynamic workforce of over 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $1.1 billion. The University of California (UC) manages Berkeley Lab for DOE’s Office of Science. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that the Biosciences Area’s scientific programs and research initiatives correspond with the Laboratory’s overall mission and core capabilities. 
  • Integrate scientific programs across Biosciences and coordinate closely with sponsoring DOE programs.
  • In collaboration with the Division Directors, develop short- and long-term financial strategies to ensure proper funding levels and evaluate new funding sources and oversee the preparation and development of the annual Biosciences Area budget plan.
• Guide the strategic vision that identifies the Area’s long-term goals and objectives, expanding upon the existing Biosciences strategic plan; this includes new and continuing research funding, workforce development, scientific program goals, operational support and scientific infrastructure needs to maintain world-class research output. 
  • Create a strategy of how this plan will be implemented, engage potential research sponsors, and integrate the plan with Berkeley Lab's overall scientific strategy.
  • Develop short- and long-term visionary strategic research directions that respond to DOE, as well as other Federal, State, and Local sponsor funding programs.
  • Respond to and quickly navigate new research opportunities and directions, as well as rapidly pivot under new Administrations.
• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to the formulation and execution of the institution’s strategic priorities, initiatives and policies. Lead by example to proactively promote principles of stewardship, inclusion, diversity, equity and accountability. 
• Oversee Area management teams to ensure accountability for operational requirements and priorities, including health and safety, facilities, financial, and human resources management. Ensure Area programmatic and project operations are cost effective, efficient and optimized within constraints of the Biosciences budget.
• Act as chief spokesperson for Biosciences to the University of California, DOE, other external agencies, and internal groups. Develop and maintain strong professional connections with relevant senior DOE officials.
• Develop critical research and strategic collaborations with other Berkeley Lab scientific disciplines, fellow national laboratories, academic institutions, and private-sector entities, working with the Lab’s Strategic Partnerships Office.
• Encourage activities involving tech transfer and commercialization of technologies developed in Biosciences, working with the Lab’s Intellectual Property Office.
• Manage Division Directors responsible for programmatic activities within their respective divisions; make key decisions regarding the hiring and career development of senior staff, including compensation, evaluation, organizational structure and succession planning. 
• Oversee the recruitment and retention of national and international talent to ensure a diverse applicant pool and employee workforce. 
• Promote science education and work to build a pipeline of next generation researchers through outreach and education programs with Berkeley Lab’s Workforce Development and Education, K-12, and Career Pathways offices as well as other national laboratories and learning institutions.
• Lead communications team and strategies on multi-disciplinary programs and initiatives to raise awareness about Biosciences research and accomplishments; partner with Strategic Communications beyond Area-wide messaging. Effectively communicate relevant information to key internal and external stakeholders. 

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in scientific discipline relevant to fundamental Biosciences research or equivalent experience.
• Recognized record of leadership and research accomplishments in a relevant field. 
• Successful track record as a visionary and collaborative leader, managing a multi-disciplined operational, scientific or engineering research program, with extensive understanding of the operations and challenges of running a large, complex organization. Track record of collaborative and decisive decision making while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.
• Experience developing and implementing a strategic vision and plan, making high-level strategic decisions, and representing a multi-disciplined operational or scientific program to both internal and external management. 
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including ability to establish relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and effectively navigate complex organizations. 
• Outstanding oral communication and writing skills, with proven ability to effectively and skillfully communicate with individuals as well as groups, both internally and externally, and articulate the Area and Berkeley Laboratory strategic vision.
• Demonstrated experience in effective people, project, and budget management and operational oversight, including with diversity, equity and inclusion programs/culture, fiscal responsibilities, human resources, EH&S, and property and facilities management.
• Substantial knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements desired (e.g., DOE, DOE Office of Science, University of California, National Laboratories).

Notes:

• For full consideration, please submit your CV and letter of interest, which should highlight your relevant organizational leadership accomplishments, as well as contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid).
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• The Biosciences ALD position is a career position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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