Open Science Operations Lead

Astera Institute; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Laboratory/Research environment

Job summary

Astera Institute seeks an Open Science Policy Operations Manager to advance open science initiatives across programs and partnerships. This in-person role, based in Emeryville, CA, reports to the Head of Open Science and focuses on operationalizing policy, training staff, and maintaining transparent records.

The role requires turning vision into executable processes within a fast-evolving environment. You will manage internal workflows, engage with researchers and tool builders, and help

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 3-6 years of experience in roles involving project management, program coordination, or operations.
• Experience in research support, community management, or similar work within open science, academia, nonprofits, or technology-adjacent environments.
• Demonstrated familiarity with open science concepts and ecosystems (e.g., open access, open data, open tools, preprints, research infrastructure).
• Strong operational skills, including stakeholder management and the ability to manage complex workflows.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High judgment and discretion when representing the organization or leadership externally.
• Self-directed, high-agency approach to work, with comfort operating in evolving or ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Program Operations & Execution: Support the Head of Open Science in day-to-day operations, including tracking initiatives, managing priorities, preparing materials, and following through on action items across multiple workstreams.
• External Intake & Sourcing: Serve as a primary point of contact for individuals and teams pitching open science tools, platforms, or initiatives to Astera.
• Community & Partnership Liaison: Act as a liaison between Astera and members of the open science community, including researchers, tool developers, funders, and collaborators.
• Representation & Delegated Authority: Attend meetings on behalf of the Head of Open Science, capturing context, decisions, and next steps.
• Hiring & Team Support: Support hiring for open science-related roles, including sourcing candidates, coordinating interviews, and onboarding.
• Communication & Documentation: Draft summaries, briefing documents, and internal notes related to open science initiatives, partnerships, and decisions.

Job description

Astera Institute seeks an Open Science Policy Operations Manager to advance open science initiatives across programs and partnerships. This in-person role, based in Emeryville, CA, reports to the Head of Open Science and focuses on operationalizing policy, training staff, and maintaining transparent records.

The role requires turning vision into executable processes within a fast-evolving environment. You will manage internal workflows, engage with researchers and tool builders, and help