Assistant Project Scientist - IGIs Entrepreneurial Fellows Program - Innovative Genomics Institute

Berkeley International; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) on the UC Berkeley campus seeks multiple scientists for its Entrepreneurial Fellows Program, matching researchers with scientific mentors and business advisors to translate genomics work into practical solutions for health, climate, and agriculture.

Participants engage in a year-long training, with opportunities to continue beyond the fellowship, and support for materials and core facilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States at time of hire; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Define goals aligned with IGI’s current research programs. Conduct research topics including rare and neglected diseases, blood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, diagnostics, delivery of genome editing reagents, microbiome editing, and crop engineering for climate resilience.
• Collaborate with IGI investigators and work with program staff to develop materials supporting translation of research toward a commercial application, including investment white papers and pitch materials.
• Participate in fellowship activities: meetings, seminars, networking events, and entrepreneurial classes; regular advisor meetings; progress updates to IGI leadership; transition planning for post-fellowship opportunities.

Education

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

Job 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.

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