Assistant Project Scientist - IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows Program - Innovative Genomics Institute

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist (IGI's Entrepreneurial Fellows Program)

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step  the table for the current salary scale for this position. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $79,400 - $92,200.  Off-scale  salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: February 2027

Position duration: One year, not eligible for extension

Open date: August 20, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Sep 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

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.…