Academic Coordinator
University of California Berkeley
United States

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Academic Coordinator I
-Masters in Biotechnology Academic Program Coordinator-
University of California, Berkeley

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) at the University of California, Berkeley is seeking applications for an Academic Program Coordinator.

Program Overview:

The Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley is beginning a one-year professional Master’s degree program in Biotechnology, starting Summer 2024. The new Master’s in Biotechnology program answers to the current major explosion in the biotechnology industry that capitalizes on new genomic technology, big data, CRISPR technology and stem cell biology. This burgeoning biotechnology industry foresees the need of a large workforce with knowledge not only in modern molecular biology but also in entrepreneurship, drug development and regulatory processes. This calls for a multidisciplinary curriculum that focuses on biology theory and the practical application of cutting edge molecular techniques in hands-on labs and industrial internships.

This position will lead the overall development and implementation of the Masters program plan. Working closely with the Faculty Program Director the position will be responsible for the coordination of program governance and development of the program curriculum with a focus on embedding modern pedagogical concepts and practices. The position will critically oversee the experimental design and the development of two new lab courses that introduce students to state of the art technologies and analysis including CRISPR/Cas9, stem cell and genomic analysis The position will also cultivate relationships with industrial partners to ensure that internship opportunities are structured to ensure that scientific projects are both meaningful and manageable given time constraints of the program.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Coordinator will have full functional responsibility for planning, directing, and evaluating all aspects of the Masters in Biotechnology educational program. Jointly participates with the faculty Program Director in all strategic development aspects of the Masters program planning. Responsible for ensuring day-to-day operational aspects of the Masters program curriculum development and implementation remains on schedule.

Specific Responsibilities for the MCB Masters Program coordination include:
-Coordination and facilitation of course curriculum meetings, along with resulting documents (course descriptions, course proposals and course updates) that will be required to ensure the curriculum is approved by campus teaching committees.
-Coordination with industrial partners to ensure that future students have access to commercial internships.
-Communicate the status and progress of the program to faculty, Academic Division and any other interested parties via newsletters, website, and any other appropriate means.
-Ensure that faculty participation and momentum is maintained.

Specific Responsibilities for the Masters Program include:
-Responsible for the goals and methods for achieving them; set priorities, interpret university, campus, college and departmental requirements.
-Advise Faculty Program Director on the formulation of program policies, guidelines and procedures for the improvement of the program; formulate and implement new policies.
-Lead the development of two new lab courses in CRISPR and Stem Cell technologies. Ensure lab exercises are developed and tested and supporting lab documentation created.
-Design and oversee instructional program resources including learning management systems and course webpages.
-Manage program meetings including those with Faculty, Industrial Partners and Program Advisory Board.
-Monitor progress of the Masters program course and auxiliary activity design and approval and ensure Faculty Directory is made aware of any problems.
-Cultivate relationships with industrial partners to ensure that internship projects are designed to be accomplished within the time constraints of the internship placement.

-Develop internship policy and regulations to ensure students taking part in an internship have an equitable and positive experience.
-Manage scheduling, event organization, IT, website management, facilities.
-Engagement with campus stakeholders such as campus administrative and academic departments, organized research units, and student services to effectively implement, manage, and communicate the goals and direction of the program.

Master's degree (or equivalent international degree) or equivalent professional experience.

Three or more years of experience of conducting research or teaching using CRISPR Gene Editing technique.

Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in a field related to science, engineering, or health, with an interest and passion for biotechnology.

Knowledge of UC administrative structures.

Experience with website design and maintenance.

Demonstrated ability to manage an academic, industry or non-profit program.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at UC Berkeley. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and academic and non-academic staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our academic positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The University of California, Berkeley 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, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Positions that are represented by a collective bargaining unit or agent have particular contracts. For more information, please refer to the relevant contract: Lecturer contract, Postdoctoral contract, Research Series contract, and Librarian contract. Questions about represented positions can be directed to the hiring unit.