Division Director - Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology

Berkeley Lab is seeking a dynamic scientific leader with a national/international reputation and record of accomplishment to serve as the Division Director of the Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology (EGSB) Division. The Division Director will promote and ensure the quality of research in the Division, enhance existing research programs and develop new programs, in addition to maintaining a personal research program. The successful candidate will establish and sustain other partnerships within the Lab, with academia, and with the broader ecosystem that includes industry partners, other national laboratories, and state and federal agencies. Reporting to the Biosciences Associate Laboratory Director, this position oversees and provides strategic direction to the research groups within the EGSB Division and will supervise Department Heads and Research and Operations Deputies. As a key member of Biosciences Area and Berkeley Lab leadership, the Division Director will be expected to actively support Lab-wide initiatives, especially our responsible stewardship of the Lab’s research, people and assets, and promote a diverse and welcoming culture at the Lab.

About the EGSB Division:

The Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology Division mission is to discover and understand the mechanisms that map genotypes to phenotypes of organisms in microbial communities and eukaryotic biosystems, and their interactions in complex environments. The Division’s vision is to find sustainable solutions to energy and environmental challenges developed through mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics. Their approach is to develop systems-level models using integrated molecular observation and controlled manipulation of model organisms to design and test interventions that promote beneficial outcomes.  Research is funded primarily by the Biological and Environmental Research in the Office of Science at Department of Energy (DOE) and National Institutes of Health, as well as through collaborative projects with industry.

What You Will Do:

  • Provide scientific and operational leadership for the EGSB Division’s research programs, overseeing a $40-million portfolio and over 200 employees and affiliates, including scientists, postdoctoral fellows, professional staff, and students.

  • Develop a long-term research vision and strategic plan for attaining that vision, developing shorter-term research objectives and schedules. 

    • Provide consultation to the Associate Laboratory Director regarding new initiatives and the strategic direction of the Division. Establish and achieve annual Division goals for technology transfer, business development and philanthropic support for non-federal research needs.

    • Create and grow divisional research programs that address the national-scale goals in the Biosciences Strategic Plan and that fall within the purview of the EGSB Division, independently and in partnership with other Divisions.

  • Assist and support Division research groups and managers in achieving research goals; set high expectations for research quality and productivity; and ensure that quality and productivity expectations are met and that research is completed on schedule, assuring that staff has excellent research capabilities consistent with research goals.  

  • Develop and maintain an individual research funded program, including sustaining a world-class laboratory in a related area such as environmental genomics, relevant health sciences, and/or systems biology. 

  • In coordination with the Biosciences Associate Laboratory Director, act as chief spokesperson for the EGSB Division in interactions with Division staff and sponsors, Berkeley Lab community, Department of Energy and other external agencies. 

  • Facilitate collaborative research activities and programs with University of California campuses and other research institutions, and develop cooperative programs with industry and foundations to the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.  

  • Foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity and accountability by challenging current practices in recruitment and promotion; engaging staff at all levels through communication, involvement and recognition; and encouraging diverse committees and panels.

  • Partner with Operations Deputies to ensure operational efficiencies across the full range of operations areas, including budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources management, environmental health and safety, property, space and facilities management.

  • Work as a team member with other scientific and operational Division Directors, Associate Laboratory Directors, Chief Operating Officer and Laboratory Directors to advance the interests of EGSB, Biosciences and Berkeley Lab, and assure efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory. 

  • Make substantial contributions to the formulation and direction of Laboratory programs that enhance Berkeley Lab’s preeminence as a DOE National Laboratory. 
     

What is Required: 

  • Ph.D. and minimum 10 years of relevant experience beyond post-doctorate in systems biology, molecular biology, biological engineering, genomics, computational biology, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

  • Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning experience to successfully create and implement a scientific vision for environment, genomics, systems biology, and related technologies. 

  • Significant experience and demonstrated competence in the management of scientific projects and collaborative science, including maintaining an active research program.

  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accountability. 

  • Recognized national and international reputation and record of accomplishment in a biology-related scientific  field. Distinguished record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

  • Experience leading and motivating research teams, and experience communicating results with a broad set of stakeholders. 

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact at the highest level of management, both internally and externally, in a constructive and collaborative manner and in a way that appropriately represents the Laboratory.  

  • Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with funding agencies, such as the Department of Energy, and knowledge of relevant research sponsors to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations.  

  • Demonstrated experience in effective management and administrative oversight, creativity in decision making and problem solving, experience in human resource management and a commitment to mentoring and career development. 

 

Please upload your CV and a brief statement of interest when applying. The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however for full consideration, please apply by close of business on July 31, 2020. 

Notes: 

  • This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

  • The Division Director 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.

  • 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.

  • Work will be primarily performed at West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., Berkeley, CA. Travel is required between the Biosciences Emeryville office and the main Berkeley Lab site, as needed.

 

Application deadline: Flexible
Start date: Flexible
Location: Bay Area, California, United States