Innovation Navigator, Bakar Labs (4638U), Bakar Labs for Energy & Materials - #80584

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Departmental Overview

The global transition to advanced energy systems represents a massive economic and technological opportunity. Modern infrastructure faces unprecedented challenges in efficiency, resilience, and resource optimization that demand breakthrough solutions. Researchers at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are developing transformative technologies in renewable energy generation, advanced materials engineering, and resilient infrastructure design. From novel battery chemistries and lightweight composites to smart materials that respond to environmental conditions, these innovations require new approaches for scalable manufacturing. A major challenge is bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and market-ready solutions through advanced manufacturing processes that can produce these next- generation materials at commercial scale.

Bakar Labs for Energy & Materials will serve as a nexus for excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship in breakthrough technologies and resilient solutions. This initiative will lower the barriers to translating impactful discoveries into companies that can create scalable technologies.

The program will establish a new vertical within Bakar Labs, focusing on innovations across next-generation energy systems, advanced materials engineering, and modern manufacturing methods-including additive manufacturing, precision synthesis, and automated production systems.

Building on the proven success of the life-science focused Bakar Bio Labs and QB3, a multi-campus UC institute focused on scientific innovation and entrepreneurship, this program will create pathways for energy, materials, and manufacturing innovations to reach commercial markets.

Position Summary

This Navigator will be a critical bridge between academic innovation and real-world technology solutions to support the success of Bakar Fellows and Bakar Labs companies across early stage development. This individual will serve a critical part of the team, building strong programmatic connections and infrastructure for the pilot program for Bakar Labs for Energy and Materials, which will be opening a new building in 2028. This dedicated Navigator will focus on supporting company formation and accelerating technology development by building connections among the Bakar Fellows and other researchers at UC Berkeley and LBNL. They will play a consistent support role to tenant companies, as well potential tenants through the various stages of company building, and building deeper connections across our ecosystem of supporters. The Program Navigator will build and maintain close relationships with startups, investors, industry affiliate partners, alumni advisors/mentors, faculty, and campus departments.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 09/03/2025.

Responsibilities

• Establish relationship and conduct regular meetings and communication channels, needs and inquiries of AIC-Bakar Fellows and Bakar Labs for Energy & Materials tenants.
• Direct and manage activities of the Innovation Discovery program: conduct regular meetings with principal investigators (PIs, especially AIC-Bakar Fellows), their graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows working on climate-relevant technologies and support onboarding to entrepreneurship resources.
• Manage and develop tenant enrichment programs at the direction of the Bakar Labs leadership team.
• Create and manage the database of mentors/advisors/experts and support matching and introductions.
• Direct other events relevant to tenant enrichment and the affiliate program (i.e. Pitch Days, Investor Events, etc.).
• Develop content to promote the Speaker Series.
• Establish new relationships and connections at the campus, local, state, national, and international level that will be a good source of tenant companies or advisors and mentors for existing teams.
• May plan, implement and staff events, identify recruits and assist with volunteers.
• May research various topics and gather relevant data to inform unit strategic plans, keeping management informed as necessary and providing input as required.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of basic concepts, principles, and procedures of building and maintaining effective relations with alumni, corporate partners, internal and key constituencies.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including skill to produce information that is appropriately presented and effectively received by target constituencies.
• Active listening skills, including advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Advanced organization skills with demonstrated ability to manage a large network of relationships with complex dynamics.
• Thorough knowledge of or can quickly learn the campus, its mission, goals, objectives, programs, achievements, infrastructure and issues of concern.
• Thorough research, analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment and decision-making skills and skill to correctly identify real and potential problems, advising management as required, and proposing effective strategic resolutions.
• Skill in project management, including event planning and meeting deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $91,500.00 - $168,900.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is eligible for up to 40% remote work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California 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, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.