Research Program Manager (4330U), Department of Chemistry - #72384

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Departmental Overview

UC Berkeley was rated the number one public university in the US for 2022, with the Department of Chemistry rated the best program for chemistry in the world in 2019. Since 1946, UC Berkeley has won 8 Nobel Prizes for Chemistry, our most recent was awarded in 2020.

The last decade has emphasized that within complex biology hides the secrets that inspire new therapeutic modalities. The Schepartz group seeks to discover these secrets and apply them to develop new molecules - both large and small - that target otherwise untreatable disease. We employ the tools of protein design and evolution, biochemistry, cell biology, organic synthesis, biophysics, and structural and synthetic biology in our work. Current projects focus on (1) repurposing the cellular translational apparatus to biosynthesize genetically encoded molecules that resemble natural products as much as they resemble peptides or proteins; (2) understanding and improving strategies to efficiently traffic proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes to the cytosol, nucleus, and other internal organelles; (3) developing small molecule strategies to image and record organelle dynamics at super-resolution for highly extended times and in multiple colors.

The Research Program Manager ensures the seamless operation of both daily lab activities and long-term research planning for the Schepartz Laboratory. This position entails overseeing and executing various technical, administrative, and financial roles critical to the operation of the research lab. The Research Program Manager is responsible for onboarding and mentorship of graduate students, undergraduates, and postdocs, by guidance on laboratory techniques and project management. The Research Program Manager is expected to identify funding opportunities, contribute to scientific publications and grant proposals, facilitate external collaborations, and assist in management of the lab's budget.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

Responsibilities

• Direct and administer programmatic and academic research financial activities, including assisting with the design and development of the research program being developed.

Involvement includes:

• Repurposing the cellular translational apparatus to biosynthesize genetically encoded molecules that resemble natural products as much as they resemble peptides or proteins.
• Understanding and improving strategies to efficiently traffic proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes to the cytosol, nucleus, and other internal organelles.
• Developing small molecule strategies to image and record organelle dynamics at super-resolution for highly extended times and in multiple colors.
• Monitor research program progress to ensure alignment with grant renewal, manuscript submission, and individual degree timelines.
• Prepare and submit necessary progress reports for funding agencies.
• Work under the direction of Principal Investigator or more senior Academic Program Officer to establish center agenda, funding, and objectives.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities and revenue streams.
• Use the Pivot database to identify and track potential lab funding opportunities.
• Review grant solicitations from governmental (NSF, NIH), non-profit research institutes, and industrial partners to identify fit as potential funding sources for the lab's research program.
• Prepare and submit grant applications and proposals to secure funding.
• Participate in program budgeting and accounting processes to support a self-supporting/sustaining financial infrastructure of the program.
• Manage financial and HR resources.
• Contribute to group discussions and provide input to the research team about staffing issues and budgetary matters, including hiring, coordinating, and/or strategizing expenditures based on experience with other, similar research studies.
• Assess the program's effectiveness and recommend changes to the program's content, policies, and procedures accordingly.
• Develop detailed budgets for research projects and program activities, including research supplies and new equipment purchases.
• Manage accounting records for the research program, including income and expenditures.
• Identify cost-saving measures and optimize resource allocation.

Facilitate manuscript submissions and reporting:

• Assist in manuscript preparation, submission, and collection of information for internal and external reporting.
• Assist researchers in writing, editing, figure preparation, and formatting manuscripts for submission to academic journals.
• Provide feedback on manuscript drafts to improve clarity and impact.
• Collect and compile data for internal and external reports, such as progress reports for funding agencies.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities and outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Manage lab organization and documentation:
• Perform instrument maintenance, conduct inventories, and update standard operating procedures to ensure efficient workflows and effective documentation.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed or coordinate with external service providers for repairs.

Key instrumentation includes:

• Leica Stellaris 8 microscope
• Attune NxT Flow Cytometer
• AKTA Pure FPLC
• Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC
• PurePep Chorus Peptide Synthesizer
• Agilent 6530 QTOF Mass Spectrometer
• Waters Xevo G2-XS Mass Spectrometer

• Order and replenish supplies to avoid shortages and ensure continuous research activities.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures for laboratory procedures and equipment usage.
• Design and implement code-based analysis pipelines for data visualization.

Mentor lab members:

• Provide guidance and support to graduate students, undergraduates, and postdocs in research methodologies and career development.
• Assist lab members in the design, execution, and data analysis of experiments.
• Train lab members in instrument usage and core experimental methodologies.
• Guide lab members in preparation of CVs, cover letters, and job applications.

Ensure lab safety compliance:

• Oversee safety protocols, conduct inspections, and implement measures to maintain a safe working environment.
• Implement measures to maintain a safe working environment, such as proper waste disposal and chemical storage.
• Coordinate with safety officers to perform safety inspections and ensure compliance with regulations.
• May serve on committees representing the program, participating in short-term and long-term planning.

Perform other duties as assigned, which may include:

• Providing scientific input on matters when requested by faculty.
• Proofreading scientific documents.
• Holding informal meetings with members of the research team to discuss research matters.

Required Qualifications

• Academic background and experience in selected areas of research (macromolecular delivery, super resolution microscopy, genetic code expansion).
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.
• Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups to achieve results.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal and external peers and managers.
• Demonstrated experience performing complex data analysis and visualization.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources and financial practices.
• Strong ability to use graphic design (Adobe Illustrator, Keynote) and molecular drawing software (ChemDraw) for preparation of scientific presentations, figures, and manuscripts.
• Experience in managing lab equipment, software updates, IT support.

Education/Training:

• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid fundraising experience.
• Experience with federal grant proposal and progress report processes.
• Authorship in high-impact peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and/or MATLAB.
• Doctorate in related area and / or equivalent experience training

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

• The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $105,500.00 - $130,000.00. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Other Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

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