Research Program Coordinator (4800C), Department of Chemistry - #89543

University of California-Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Berkeley is seeking a Research Program Coordinator to support the laboratories of Professors Tatyana Polenova and Ashok Ajoy and the Pines Magnetic Resonance Center (PMRC). You will handle complex financial planning, contracts, grants, research support, and center operations.

In a fast-paced, autonomous role, you will manage budgeting, HR processes, event planning, and communications, ensuring accurate records and successful reporting to funders.

Qualifications

• Experience in academic research administration or similar.
• Ability to manage budgets and contracts.
• Experience with procurement and equipment management.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Administers PMRC and supports research and personnel activities.
• Organizes PMRC events and conferences.
• Participates in budgeting and financial processes to support financial infrastructure.
• Oversees center internal and external communications including newsletters and PR materials.
• Identifies cost-saving measures and optimizes resource allocation.

Skills

Administrative

Financial planning

HR coordination

Event management

Job description

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth. We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan, which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.

Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride.

Departmental Overview

UC Berkeley was rated the number one public university in the US for 2026, with the Department of Chemistry rated the best program for chemistry in the world in 2023. Since 1946, UC Berkeley has won 19 Nobel Prizes for Chemistry, our most recent was awarded in 2025.

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a new Faculty Support Administrator to support our top-rated research. Our faculty address major scientific and technological challenges facing the world. Join us in our mission to advance society through education and research.

Position Summary

The Research Program Coordinator provides administrative support and manages the general operations of the laboratories of Professors Tatyana Polenova and Ashok Ajoy, as well as the Pines Magnetic Resonance Center (PMRC). This position handles complex financial planning, contract and grant management, research support, center operations, and event management. The Research Program Coordinator functions with a high degree of autonomy in a fast-paced environment, seamlessly switching between projects and drawing on an advanced understanding of financial procedures in an academic setting.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: October 30, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before November 4, 2026

Responsibilities

PMRC Support - 30%

• Administers PMRC and is primarily responsible for administrative academic or research and programmatic activities. Assists with research direction, events, and personnel support for specific types of experiments and research.
• Organizes PMRC related events and conferences as needed to support scientific collaboration with PMRC users and affiliates.
• Participates in the program budgeting and accounting processes to support a self supporting / sustaining financial infrastructure of the academic or research program.
• Manages financial and HR Resources to assist with hiring, purchasing and procurement, and research staff and equipment management. Develop and implement procedures for managing research staff appointments, equipment needs, supply inventory and others as needed.
• Facilitates proposal submissions and reporting: Assisting in preparation, submission, and collection of information for internal and external review. Collect and compile data for internal and external reports, such as progress reports for funding agencies. Maintain accurate records of research activities and outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Oversees center internal and external communications including Center newsletter, social media, website, and printed materials. Draft press releases and other PR materials to promote research. Point of contact for public relations officers at PMRC institutions and other members of the media.
• Identifies cost-saving measures and optimize resource allocation.
• Is responsible for PMRC equipment maintenance, procurement, inventory, etc. Work with campus partners to manage space and equipment needs.

Financial/Extramural Management - 25%

• Liaison to the College of Chemistry and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) business services support units. Formulate annual operating budgets including spending projections. Audit and analyze financial reports and forecast expenses to ensure Principal Investigator (P.I.) meets financial obligations of the research group.
• Integrate UCB and LBNL reports to create current and accurate comprehensive financial picture to ensure fiscal integrity. Anticipate and resolve operational, fiscal or other discrepancies. Work with both UCB and LBNL relevant personnel at the facility and in the central support offices to provide overall support to this function.
• Oversee the post-award administration of grants, contracts, and agreements. Ensure the terms and conditions of all awards are met and