Senior Administrator

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is hiring a Senior Administrator in the Materials Sciences Division. In this role, you’ll provide high-level administrative partnership to two high-profile Principal Investigators working in Energy Storage and Data Science. You’ll be a trusted point person who keeps complex, fast-moving research groups running smoothly anticipating needs, solving problems, and helping the PIs stay focused on scientific impact.

At Berkeley Lab, your work supports teams tackling real-world challenges through world-class research. You’ll also be part of an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes and a mission-driven community that values collaboration, service, and excellence.

You will:

• Provide high-level administrative support with sound judgment, initiative, discretion, and creativity.
• Manage PI calendars and email; serve as the primary liaison for scheduling, information requests, and stakeholder coordination.
• Manage complex domestic and international travel for the Principal Investigators and visitors, including itineraries, approvals, visas (as needed), logistics coordination, and timely expense reporting/reconciliation.
• Coordinate administrative services such as time reporting, hiring/onboarding/offboarding, publication tracking, procurement, and equipment tracking.
• Draft and coordinate complex documents (technical/scientific reports, presentations) with PI/Program Manager guidance.
• Plan and execute reviews, workshops, meetings, and visitor logistics (agendas, approvals, A/V, catering, travel) and coordinate with Lab partners.
• Support research group operations by coordinating seminars and routine/special meetings.
• Partner with HR on requirements for students, postdocs, and affiliates.

We are looking for:

• BA/BS and/or 4–6 years of related experience (or equivalent experience), supporting senior leaders in complex research/academic environments.
• Proven experience supporting senior PIs with professionalism, diplomacy, and strong relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex domestic/international travel, including visas, approvals, and expenses.
• Strong organization and project management skills; able to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience coordinating events and solving problems proactively; adaptable under changing priorities.
• Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and procedures appropriately.
• Excellent written/verbal communication; skilled at drafting/editing correspondence, presentations, proposals, and reports with high accuracy.
• Collaborative, service-oriented team member with a track record of working effectively across groups.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace, Zoom, and calendaring tools; able to learn new systems quickly (including basic web content management).

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Knowledge of LBNL, DOE, and UC policies and procedures, with working familiarity with Berkeley Lab financial and HR systems and related UC processes, including procurement.
• Valid California driver’s license and willingness to transport Principal Investigators or visitors on the LBNL site or to Berkeley, with required training for operation of government vehicles.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 9, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. 
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected salary for this position is $90,288 - $121,320, which fits into the full salary of $90,288 - $152,340 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is 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.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. This position will require a minimum of four days per week on the LBNL campus, with additional onsite presence as needed for meetings and workshops. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.