Assistant Project Scientist - IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows Program - Innovative Genomics Institute

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California-Berkeley is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist within IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows Program on the Berkeley campus. The role focuses on developing research programs using innovative genomics tech to address climate, health, and agriculture, with mentorship and business-advisor support throughout the year.

Qualified candidates hold a PhD (or are enrolled) and have experience with genome editing tools and related genomic technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) required at time of application.
• Additional qualifications include PhD (or equivalent international degree).
• Preferred: PhD in Chemical/Biological Engineering, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry or related field.

Responsibilities

• Define goals aligned with IGI's current research programs.
• Research topics include genome editing, microbiome editing, and crop engineering.
• Collaborate with IGI investigators and participate in the Entrepreneurial Fellows Program.
• Attend program meetings, seminars, workshops, and entrepreneurial classes.
• Prepare final reports and contribute to transition planning for commercialization.

Skills

Scientific collaboration

Scientific communication

Grant writing

Team mentorship

Education

PhD (or equivalent)

Enrolled in PhD program

Tools

Genome editing tools

Genomic technologies

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist (IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows Program)

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the table for the current salary scale for this position. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $79,400 - $92,200. \"Off-scale\" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: February 2027

Position duration: One year, not eligible for extension

Application Window

Open date: August 20, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Sep 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a multidisciplinary research laboratory focused on genome engineering and potential applications in agriculture, microbiology, and biomedicine. It is a joint venture between UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with the administrative operations located on the Berkeley campus. This position is located at the UC Berkeley campus. The IGI is presently seeking multiple highly motivated scientists to develop research programs focused on using innovative genomics technology to develop solutions for climate change mitigation, improved food production, and better human health.

The IGI Entrepreneurial Fellows Program supports scientists whose work involves the development of solutions for some of the world's greatest problems. Successful candidates will align with the IGI's mission of bridging revolutionary genome editing and biotechnology tool development to affordable and accessible solutions in human health, climate, and agriculture; working toward a world where such technology is routinely applied to treat genetic disease, enable sustainable agriculture, and help achieve a carbon‑neutral economy.

IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows Program is intended to:

• Support early stage entrepreneurs as they develop their ideas such that they may be more prepared to enter later stage opportunities such as those at UC Berkeley (for example Skydeck and the Bakar Bioenginuity Hub) if desired.


• Enable the translation of genomics and biotechnology research into impactful solutions, including commercial application.


• Provide financial, scientific, and educational support to participants and build a lively community of scientists, advisors, mentors, and entrepreneurs.


• Help participants find pathways to translate their research and ideas into practical applications.

This position will be matched with a scientific mentor at the IGI based on their area of research and participate in a year‑long training program. Our particular interests include the following: Genome engineering tools and applications, Biomedical research, Artificial intelligence as it relates to biomedical or agricultural research, Crop engineering and sustainability, Carbon neutral economy, Microbiome research, Therapeutic delivery technology.

The Assistant Project Scientists will engage in a variety of exciting learning opportunities and networking events. In addition to scientific mentorship, each participant will be paired with business advisors who can provide guidance on scientific and business practices through regular meetings during the program. Assistant Project Scientists may also receive additional funding support for materials, supplies and use of core facilities. The program will be carried out in new self‑contained laboratory facilities within the IGI building that will be available only to IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows as needed.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Responsibilities:

Specific goals will be determined by the applicant, and should be aligned with IGI's current research programs. Research topics include, but are not limited to: rare & neglected diseases, blood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, companion diagnostics & assay development, delivery of genome editing reagents, microbiome editing, advancing genome editing technology, epigenetic editing, editing of crops for climate resilience and climate mitigation, and biological solutions for carbon dioxide removal. IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows will collaborate with other IGI investigators.

Program Participation Expectations:

In addition to advancing their independent research projects, IGI Entrepreneurial Fellows are expected to participate actively in the full IGI Entrepreneurial Fellows Program. The fellowship is a structured program intended to support both research advancement and entrepreneurial development. Fellows are expected to:

• Attend and engage in program meetings, seminars, workshops, networking events, and entrepreneurial classes.


• Participate in required or strongly encouraged classes, some of which may involve a significant time commitment, such as weekly sessions over several weeks.


• Meet regularly with assigned scientific and business advisors, mentors, IGI staff, and consultants, and provide regular progress updates to IGI leadership.


• Work with program staff to develop materials that support the translation of their research toward a commercial application, including an investment white paper and pitch‑related materials.


• Contribute to a collaborative entrepreneurial community at the IGI, including through peer support, and program events.


• Submit a final written report at the conclusion of the fellowship describing progress, outcomes, milestones achieved, next steps, and reflections on the program.


• Develop a transition plan, as appropriate, for projects or companies that are ready to continue beyond the fellowship, including identifying suitable lab, office, or company space outside the IGI if needed.

Entrepreneurial Fellows Program Website

https://innovativegenomics.org/entrepreneurial-program-link/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: (required at time of application)

PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD (or equivalent international degree) program

Additional qualifications: (required at time of start)

PhD (or equivalent international degree)

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent international degree in Chemical, Biological Engineering, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.


• Experience with using genome editing tools, and/or other advanced genomic technologies.


• Experience writing, leading, and managing grants.


• Experience with or interest in science entrepreneurship, including experience advancing research discoveries, technologies, or venture concepts toward commercialization.


• Experience with mentorship of undergraduates, graduate students, and/or technicians.


• Ability to effectively communicate, participate in efficient and open in collaboration, and enjoys engaging with a diverse group of researchers.


• Demonstrated innovation and ability to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.


• Cover Letter - In addition to the cover letter, please submit a video pitch of your idea. The video should be 2 minutes or less. Clearly include the video link at the bottom of your cover letter. Use a YouTube/Vimeo URL only, either public or unlisted. Please do not password‑protect your video or submit full video files.


• Statement of Research - 2 page project proposal

Reference requirements:

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05477

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity 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 more information, please refer to the University of California's Affiantive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

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 University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

APM - 035: Affiantive Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location

Berkeley, CA