Director, Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks an outstanding scientific leader and researcher to serve as the Director of the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for Earth & Environmental Sciences, the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division Director is responsible for providing vision and leadership for the research and operations activities of the Division, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $44 million and a staff of 140 employees and 90 affiliates. The Director has full responsibility for all areas of management within the division, including scientific research, operations, finance, human resources, and environment, health and safety. The Director establishes a culture of excellence, equity, and inclusion, providing outstanding scientists and professional staff with a welcoming work environment, skillful mentoring, and ongoing career development. 

The Director will serve as a member of the executive team for the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area, comprising the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division, Energy Geosciences Division, and Area Operations team. As a member of Berkeley Lab's management, the Director is expected to build collaborative partnerships and programs within the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area, with other Divisions across Berkeley Lab, and with external research institutions. The Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division research program is primarily funded by the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science; the Director will serve as the spokesperson for the Division in interactions with DOE. The Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division Director will contribute to the leadership of large-scale Laboratory initiatives and responsible stewardship of the Lab’s research, people and assets, including promoting a diverse and welcoming culture at Berkeley Lab.  

About the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division at Berkeley Lab:

The Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division’s mission is to develop the foundational knowledge and capabilities needed to understand, predict, and advance stewardship of Earth’s climate and ecosystems, envisioning a future in which society can make informed decisions about the sustainable use of our planet’s resources based on advanced knowledge of the integrated Earth systems. Our scientists measure and model critical environmental and biological systems, exchanges between the biosphere and atmosphere, climatic and atmospheric processes, and interactions between society and its natural surroundings by translating data from advanced laboratories, experiments, and networks of field stations into better tools for predicting the implications of climatic change. Learn more about the Division here.

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. DOE national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Leadership:

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division’s research programs, overseeing an approximately $44-million per year portfolio and staff of 140 employees (including scientists, postdoctoral fellows, administrative, technical and operations staff, and students), as well as 90 affiliates. 
• Conduct innovative research in an area aligned with one of the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division research programs, providing an example of outstanding scientific accomplishment for the Division.
• Effectively manage existing Division programs and guide the development of new initiatives within the framework of a long-term research vision and strategic plan aligned with national goals.
• Participate in formulating the research policy and long-term direction of the Laboratory as a whole, and provide consultation to the Laboratory Director, Deputy Directors, and Associate Laboratory Director regarding new initiatives for the strategic direction of the Laboratory.

Partnership, Communications, and Culture:

• Work collaboratively with the Associate Laboratory Director and Division Directors to develop research initiatives, programs, and other activities that advance the mission of the Earth & Environmental Sciences Area; build teams and programs that integrate the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division with other Scientific Areas and Divisions.
• Collaborate with colleagues at UC Berkeley and other research institutions to develop cooperative programs for the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.
• Develop programs with industrial partners to advance Division and DOE goals, working with Berkeley Lab's Intellectual Property Office to consider entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and commercialization of Division science. 
• Champion and communicate the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division’s mission, goals, and accomplishments to Division members, funding sponsors, Berkeley Lab staff and leadership, and to the broader research community.
• Serve as a point of contact to DOE officials for related research, and influence and implement DOE policies as they impact the Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division.
• Lead by example to ensure that principles of stewardship, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability are modeled and implemented.

Research Operations:

• Partner with the operations staff 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.
• Address management and resource challenges of a complex organization.
• As a team member of the Laboratory’s management team, work to advance the interests of Berkeley Lab and assure efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience in climate science, ecology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, or a related field, and at least 10 years of professional experience post doctorate. 
• Recognized expert and leader in their scientific field with an internationally recognized record of research accomplishments.
• Significant experience and demonstrated competence in the management of scientific projects and collaborative science, including maintaining an active research program.
• Ability to interact effectively with funding agencies, including the DOE, and demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations.
• Demonstrated scientific and strategic leadership ability applicable to running a large, diverse, team-oriented organization with a multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers.
• Management experience in effective people, project, and program oversight, displaying creativity in decision making and problem solving in complex organizations.
• Proven track record in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact at the highest level of management internally and externally in a constructive and collaborative manner that appropriately represents the Laboratory. 

Application Guidelines:

• For full consideration, please submit your CV and cover letter by May 26, 2023. 
• In the cover letter, please highlight (i) your interest and vision for the position, (ii) relevant research and organizational leadership experience, and (iii) relevant accomplishments, including personal contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is expected to pay $280,000 to $340,000, which fits within the full salary range of $220,380 to $457,392 for the Scientific Division Director job classification. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, as well as aligned with the internal leadership peer group.
• 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.
• The Climate & Ecosystem Sciences Division Director is an at-will position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director. 
• 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.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.