Senior Administrator (Deputy Lab Director for Research)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is hiring a Senior Administrator to support the Deputy Lab Director for Research (DLDR) within the Laboratory Directorate. 

In this exciting, fast-paced role, you will provide specialized, executive-level administrative support to the Deputy Lab Director for Research (DLDR), the DLDR’s Chief of Staff (CoS), and occasionally the Lab Director. You will manage complex administrative operations including managing the DLDR’s calendar, correspondence, documentation, and records. You will coordinate and prepare meeting materials, review and triage incoming communications, and collaborate closely with Directorate Office staff to support operational priorities and high level visits. This position requires the utmost discretion in handling sensitive information. It may include supervision of other administrative staff.

The Directorate Office is the “face” of our organization, welcoming staff and visitors to Berkeley Lab. You will be an integral part of the Directorate team, who are part administrators, part leadership support, and part cultural ambassadors. This position provides a high level of administrative support services to members of the Laboratory's Leadership team. It is a high impact role in a mission-driven organization that has been providing scientific solutions to global challenges for over 90 years, and has earned 17 Nobel Prizes to date.

This position has an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program.
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams! 
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers).
• Pet insurance. 

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Deputy Lab Director of Research’s (DLDR) Office.
• Review, triage, and prioritize incoming correspondence and requests for the DLDR, including determining appropriate distribution and response.
• Coordinate the DLDR’s calendar and travel, and provide backup support to the Lab Director’s Senior Administrator as needed, including scheduling, visitor coordination, and briefing materials.
• Prepare, compile, and coordinate high-quality briefing materials, agendas, and talking points to support the DLDR’s activities. 
• Partner with the DLDR, Chief of Staff to the DLDR, and Laboratory leadership team to ensure materials are complete and delivered in advance of meetings and daily engagements.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Staff to the DLDR and other staff to continuously improve workflows and administrative processes within the DLDR’s office and across senior leadership offices.
• Ensure compliance with legal and institutional requirements for archiving Directorate documents in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Support the DLDR in maintaining compliance with DOE and UC requirements related to outside professional activities, financial disclosures, and gift reporting.
• Diplomatically communicate with all levels of management and scientific staff within Berkeley Lab, the Department of Energy, the University of California, and other external high-profile organizations.
• Model stewardship values in daily interactions and serve as a cultural ambassador for the Laboratory community.
• Maintain a calm, composed, and discreet demeanor when managing sensitive issues, exercising sound professional judgment at all times.
• Lead special projects requiring research, analysis, and the development of executive-level presentation materials.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Laboratory Travel Policy and ensure compliance with applicable procedures and requirements.
• Utilize Laboratory vehicles, as needed, to provide on-site transportation support for the DLDR.
• As directed by the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the DLDR, provide guidance and potential supervision of administrative staff based on evolving office priorities.

What We Are Looking For:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Business, Communications, or related field and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience supporting high level executives in a professional, academic, or research environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience delivering high-level administrative support, encompassing email correspondence, complex calendar management, scheduling, meeting planning, document management, travel coordination, expense reports, project coordination, data management, report generation, and navigating complex computerized systems in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience providing executive level support using cloud-based platforms and applications, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom video conferencing, in a Mac and PC environment. 
• Demonstrated experience interpreting applicable institutional policies and procedures, including procurement, equipment inventory, travel, space management, contracts and grants, and intra-university transactions (IUTs) in administrative areas of responsibility.
• Exceptional organizational skills. 
• An ability to remain composed under pressure, respond effectively in crisis situations, manage unexpected challenges and competing priorities, meet deadlines, take initiative, and adapt quickly to changing work priorities.
• Proven interpersonal skills, including experience in which one has had to maintain a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality while interfacing with personnel at all organizational levels, internally and externally.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a history of producing professional, error-free emails, documents, reports, and presentations.
• Valid CA driver's license and willingness to drive staff and visitors in a Lab vehicle within the Lab site and/or to Berkeley as needed.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience with Berkeley Lab systems and tools (LETS, FMS, TREX, RezDesk, etc.) 
• Knowledge of Berkeley Lab, the University of California (UC), the Department of Energy (DOE), and/or local, state, federal policies, procedures, and regulations.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter describing their interest in the position by Friday, June 5, 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 and has an expected salary range of $105,804 - $136,836 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $90,288 - $152,340 annually for job code A40.3. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
• 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: This position offers a hybrid work schedule, combining telework with onsite work at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, located at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Hybrid employees must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

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.