Program Manager - Computational Biology

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBL) has an exciting new opening for a Program Manager - Computational Biology. The selected candidate will be a co-member of the Biosciences Strategic Programs Development Group (SPDG) and the Computing Sciences Area Office . The Program Manager will be responsible for identifying and developing strategic research portfolios to advance the lab’s scientific impact.

This successful candidate will primarily drive research program development activities for  new project topics on areas of interest to lab researchers, including some of the following topics:  quantum technologies for biology, biological imaging, biomanufacturing, environmental biology, sensors and controls for automated experimentation, machine learning, data management, and high-performance computing. The Program Manager will be responsible for managing and executing a variety of activities, including idea generation and visioning, planning and facilitation of workshops, drafting and editing white papers, and developing ongoing relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be building new research capabilities at Berkeley Lab in a growing areas of research for the Department of Energy. 

This position will be hired at a level 2 or 3 contingent upon the level of experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

What You Will Do:

• Manage a portfolio of program development projects based at the intersection of biosciences and computing sciences core capabilities, particularly in partnership with the Computational Biology Group and other interested researchers and managers across the Biosciences and Computing Sciences Areas.
• Work to identify new strategic opportunities to increase the Areas’ scientific impact.
• Lead and assist in the planning, execution, and facilitation of workshops with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist researchers in drafting, editing, and revising workshop reports resulting from strategic workshops.
• Network and arrange meetings with possible sponsors and collaborators. Expand and build networks with possible collaborators and sponsors, serving as an integral team member for relationship management with stakeholders..
• Identify and secure additional funds for the execution of program development activities.
• Utilize and improve tracking tools to measure progress and to provide analysis on successes, gaps, and new strategic directions for the Biosciences and Computing Sciences partnership.
• Serve as the main point of contact for Area Management Leads for tracking progress towards meeting goals on a regular schedule.

Additional Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and lead opportunities to increase collaboration between researchers in both Areas
• Work with Area Management Leads to establish and implement frameworks and best practices for program development activities shared by Biosciences and Computing Sciences

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree/advanced degree in a related field and/or equivalent training experience with preferably a minimum of 5 years work experience with increasing responsibility in program administration and planning
• Experience working with researchers at all levels on collaborative, multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong project management, coordination, and tracking experience
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing projects of moderate scope
• Strong problem-solving skills; ability to resolve diverse range of complex technical problems and issues using good judgment and decision-making
• Effective interpersonal skills necessary for working in a diverse and distributed team environment, including developing and managing relationships and networks
• Ability to work independently as well as with groups of scientists and managers
• Ability to multitask and prioritize complex competing problems and assisting in development of action plans leading to successful completion of tasks
• Detail oriented, excellent record keeping, organization and communication skills, and follow through.

Desired Qualifications:

• M.S or Ph.D. in a biology, computational biology, or computational field.
• Experience with computational biology or computational research.
• Experience with philanthropic organizations.
• Federal or state government experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading stakeholder engagement activities, including workshops or other scientific meetings.
• Experience in strategic planning, program management, and/or program development
• Experience interacting with sponsors
• Private sector work experience
• Familiarity with information systems, such as computerized program tracking databases
• Knowledge of federal funding principles and decision-making.

To be considered please provide the following materials in your application:

1) Curriculum Vitae​ or Resume

2) Cover letter; please address the following: Why are you interested in this position and how is your professional work experience related?

Notes:

• This is a full time 2 year term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs; and skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• 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.
• This position will be remote initially, but limited to individuals residing in the United States tentatively until 2021 due to COVID-19. Once the Bay Area shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, work will be primarily performed at: West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., Berkeley, CA.

Learn about us!

Biosciences Area Enabled by Berkeley Lab’s world-class user facilities and complementary research programs, our scientists and engineers contribute groundbreaking discoveries and innovative solutions to complex scientific and societal challenges.

The Computational Research Division conducts research and development in mathematical modeling and simulation, algorithm design, data storage, management and analysis, computer system architecture and high-performance software implementation. We collaborate directly with scientists across LBNL, the Department of Energy and industry to solve some of the world’s most challenging computational and data management and analysis problems in a broad range of scientific and engineering fields, including materials science, biology, climate modeling, astrophysics, fusion science, and many others.

Berkeley Lab

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab 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. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.