At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) is an instructional and research Department in the College of Chemistry. CBE provides the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain a thorough fundamental knowledge of all fields in chemical and biomolecular engineering.
In broad terms, research conducted in CBE can be divided into the following areas: catalysis and reaction engineering, electrochemical engineering, polymers and complex fluids, microsystems technology and microelectrics, molecular simulations and theory, interfacial engineering, biochemical and bioprocess engineering, biomedical engineering, and synthetic biology. The CBE also collaborates with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).
The Department has 17 ladder ranked faculty, four regularly appointed non-Senate faculty, two full time Lecturers and four to six temporary lecturers each year. CBE is home to about 400 undergraduates and 135 Masters and Doctoral students. Approximately 75 graduate and undergraduate students are hired annually as GSI's and Readers in support of the teaching program. In addition, CBE is host to approximately 75 visiting postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars and researchers. Teaching and research facilities are located in several buildings within the College of Chemistry's complex, and several faculty have appointments at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as well. The Department's budget includes state and federal funds, discretionary funds, gifts and endowments, scholarship and fellowship funds.
Position Summary Involves professional engineering and engineering technician support as part of academic instructional lab and/or research projects and programs. Engineering activities include the design, construction, testing of experimental systems, operation of analytical systems, establishment of performance specifications, and documentation. Designing experiments and instruments needed for experiments. Provides consultation on multiple levels including senior management throughout the Department and College on the construction of new labs and spaces. Lead and project manager on initiatives established by the College and Department. Engineering Technicians may be assigned duties within a single discipline (e.g., electrical) or span a range of disciplines [Note: for machine specialty work in a research or lab setting, see Research and Laboratory Job Field, Lab Mechanician Job Family].
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: 03/04/2025.
Responsibilities Technical Leader
- Functions as project manager for complex engineering assignments including building new labs, classrooms, program spaces, and College initiatives.
- Designs the space and directs the move into these new spaces.
- Advises and consults Department Manager, Department Chair, and College Senior Leadership on engineering projects including serving as point of contact in the department on space and instruments, coordination of facilities-related projects with the Facilities unit of the College and point of contact for the Department on all facilities-related projects.
- Designing space to accommodate the expansion and growth of the Professional Master's Degree in Product Development (PDP) program.
- Directing the move and designs of the new facilities for this program from Gilman Hall to Latimer Hall. Prepares engineering calculations, leads in designing construction of new laboratories, existing infrastructure and specify needed laboratory equipment to accommodate the expansion and growth of the research community and Professional development programs like PDP and MBPE in the College.
- In coordination with College Assistant dean, evaluate new laboratory space utility needs, and oversite projects to make sure it is completed on time.
- Address common laboratory standards to address the unique needs of a given project during the design phase to address safety, security, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, current research needs, future research needs, and operating standards.
- Coordinates moves between labs and other various programs, engaging necessary campus constituents including Custodial Services and Campus Physical and Environmental Planning.
- Manage day to day activities of our undergraduate computer lab in coordination campus IT.
- Serve as a primary contact for Aspen, COMSOL, and SuperPro software and collaborate with vendors in renewing them every year.
- Manage and oversee all aspects of ChemE Car, including but not limited to EH&S training, space allocation and annual space inspections, purchase and storage of chemicals for competition cars.
- Streamlines processes by eliminating unnecessary time delays and scheduling issues during major and minor renovations for the College.
- Tracks schedules and communicates with all stakeholders consistently.
Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories
- Responsible for the operation of the experimental equipment ranging from large-scale industrial in a process laboratory and advanced physicochemical instruments in a laboratory to the tools of molecular biology in a bio-engineering laboratory.
- Maintains spare parts/consumables inventories for the laboratories.
- Provides guidance and instruction to GSI every semester in safe operation of equipment.
Project management
- Project manager for new programs such as the professional master's degree in Bioprocess Engineering (MBPE).
- Directing the conversion of lab spaces to accommodate new degree programs on tight deadlines.
- Manage new laboratory and office renovations, such as MBPE and Product Development Program (PDP).
- Develop full scale project plans, lead the implementation of the lab design from its inception to completion.
- Manage day to day operational aspects of CBE projects within the deadlines, budget, scope and customer's expectations.
- Plan projects timelines, project tasks and follow projects through their entire lifecycle using appropriate tools.
- Support to project team and create a working environment that allows everyone to work to the best of their abilities.
- Monitor and regularly report the progress of project to department chair.
- Manage changes in project scope adjust and/or provide alternate solutions if necessary.
- These complex projects include modern laboratory facility design which utilizes careful consideration of critical elements such as temperature and humidity control, air pressurization, sound and vibration, contamination control, ventilation, air quality, worker safety, and energy conservation.
- Biosafety cabinets and other isolator technologies contribute to flexibility as well.
- Schedule and assigns projects to staff.
- Directs shops, carpenters, and other facilities staff on the direction, design, and management of the projects to be done including converting labs such as the incubator lab and the DeCal (student run classes) labs.
- Assigns specific instructions on necessary adjustments in converting labs and rooms to accommodate for changes.
- Instructs staff on construction and serve as technical engineer in advising shops staff and carpenters on building requirements.
- Ensures work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
- Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists staff in resolving work problems.
- Provides direction and guidance to lower-level Development Engineers.
- Plans, organizes, and perform the work of a professional engineering team engaged in a specialized engineering phase of training and/or research program.
Design New Experiments
- Modifies equipment to meet modern educational goals.
- Analyze mechanical/chemical systems.
- Perform design calculations.
- Selects new equipment among commercially available alternatives.
- Write equipment specifications.
- Supervise shop, personnel engaged in assembly of equipment.
- Prepares drawings for experiments, specifications for equipment and manuals for operation.
- Writes equipment operating instructions including engineering drawings for students and academic personnel.
Financial
- Provides cost analysis using time schedules and budgetary considerations to Department Leadership and College Senior Leadership.
- In coordination with Department Manager and College Relations and Development, engages partners from Chevron, Dow Chemicals, Generon, and Alumni to find funding for new equipment, experiments. and space.
- Estimates time, materials and labor costs for in-house model shop fabrication. Prepares bid packages for outside vendors
- Represents the College/Department at meetings and conferences in matters related to engineering design considerations and financial requirements.
Required Qualifications - Advanced knowledge associated with the planning, development, and fabrication of engineering systems.
- Advanced knowledge of specialized design work as well as the overall field.
- Strong creativity and problem-solving abilities to apply principles, practices and procedures within discipline to complete difficult assignments.
- Strong project management skills needed to assume responsibility for accomplishment of research objectives.
- Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
- Advanced interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative manner; readily assess complex challenges and barriers and recommend effective resolutions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and influence others.
- Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering or related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Preferred Qualifications 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 annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $109,200.00 - $158,500.00. The full range for this classification is $109,200.00 - $207,800.00.
- This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
- This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
How to Apply - To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information - This is not a visa opportunity.
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.
Misconduct SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
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.
The University of California's Affirmative action policy .
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy .
Referral Source info This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, please ensure you select the
Referral Source of " UCB Employee ". Then enter the employee's
Name and
Berkeley email address in the
Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.
