Associate Project Manager

Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) is seeking an (Associate) Project Manager to conduct science policy research and engagement for the advancement of engineering biology. The incumbent will work with EBRC academic and institutional members, members of EBRC’s Student & Postdoc Association, government stakeholders, and the engineering biology community on new and ongoing projects aligned with EBRC’s mission. The (Associate) Project Manager will support the EBRC staff leader for one of EBRC’s four Focus Areas (Research Roadmapping, Policy & International Engagement, Security, and Education and Workforce Development) and assist in directing and supporting a member-led Working Group to develop and achieve EBRC program objectives. Particularly in the focus area for which they are primarily responsible, the (Associate) Project Manager may help develop programs, activities, policy proposals, and communication materials that improve the ability of engineering biology researchers to advance and accelerate their work. Reporting to EBRC’s Executive Director, and working as a member of the EBRC Team, the Associate Project Manager may contribute to organizational goal setting, funding ideas and proposals, and supporting community engagement and outreach.

Recent and ongoing projects include:

Interested individuals can apply here (links to external hiring site). EBRC staff are hired and employed through a service agreement with BioMADE (https://www.biomade.org/). While EBRC operations and business services (including HR) are provided via BioMADE , EBRC is a separate, non-profit organization, with a distinct and unique mission. Hiring and employment decisions are at the discretion of EBRC leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work with the EBRC Executive Director and staff, EBRC members, and the engineering biology community to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities relevant to advancing engineering biology.
  • Support the lead staff for Focus Area(s) and Working Group(s); help support the Working Group (WG) chair and engage members to set goals and achieve objectives.
  • Help facilitate dialogue between government officials, researchers, and other stakeholders.
  • Support outreach and engagement initiatives to grow and strengthen the engineering biology community, including towards goals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
  • As appropriate, help develop proposals, programs, and activities that leverage member expertise to advance capacity and address challenges in engineering biology, particularly in the Focus Area(s) they are primarily supporting.
  • Help incorporate cross-disciplinary technical and non-technical topics (e.g. ethics, security, bioeconomy, training/education, regulation, diversity, equity, etc) critical to engineering biology into program activities.
  • Develop expert knowledge on trends in national and global research in engineering biology in support of organizational goals.
  • Develop and/or contribute to high-quality reports, research articles, white papers, proposals, or other materials on the state of the field and policy issues from various sectors, by independently conducting research and analysis, and/or by supporting and facilitating contributions from expert EBRC members.
  • Where appropriate, contribute to communication for activities and dissemination of EBRC reports and products; help develop briefing materials for US Government agencies and/or leadership.
  • Other duties as assigned or as they become apparent.

Requirements

  • PhD with 1 year experience, or Master’s Degree in a relevant field with 2-4 years’ experience in a social science or public policy-related field.
  • Demonstrated experience in science policy and the ability to work at the interface of research and government.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience writing for diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrable engagement on topics relevant to ethics, responsible conduct, and/or diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing stakeholder relationships.
  • Experience working in an academic research laboratory and/or a demonstrated (technical or social sciences) research background and the requisite professional experiences to independently conduct research and publish.

Desired Characteristics

  • Strong project management and organization skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Strong understanding of modern information technology (Google Suite, Zoom, Adobe applications, etc.)
  • Experience, knowledge and/or expertise in one of the four Technical Themes (i.e., Data Science, Engineering DNA, Host Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering), and/or the five Application and Impact Sectors (i.e., Climate & Environment, Food & Agriculture, Energy, Health & Medicine, Industrial Biotech) described in EBRC’s Engineering Biology: A Research Roadmap for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy (2019).

About the Organization
EBRC is a non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to bringing together an inclusive community committed to advancing engineering biology to address national and global needs. It showcases cutting- edge research in engineering biology, identifies pressing challenges and opportunities in research and application, and articulates compelling research roadmaps and programs to address these challenges and opportunities.

EBRC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, an annual bonus plan, and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with a 6% match, short- and long-term disability, basic and supplemental life insurance, PTO, and a generous holiday calendar.

Vaccination Requirements
Must be fully vaccinated; You are considered up to date with your vaccines if you have gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, (two weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, or a second dose of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, or two weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine), as well as Bivalent booster.

EOE Statement
EBRC recognizes the value of diversity in the scientific endeavor. We nurture merit, talent, and achievement by supporting equal opportunity and encouraging diversity and welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us in our mission.

EBRC and BioMADE are equal opportunity employers to all and make hiring and employment decisions without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Hybrid Work Statement
EBRC offers flexible (hybrid) work options based on business roles and needs.

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