Research Program Coordinator , Department of Chemistry

Research Program Coordinator (4800C), Department of Chemistry - #87571

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 Mac Arthur 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.

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:
August 5, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

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.
• 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…