"Senior Administrator"

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is hiring a Senior Administrator in the Materials Sciences Division. In this role, you'll provide high-level administrative partnership to two high-profile Principal Investigators working in Energy Storage and Data Science. You'll be a trusted point person who keeps complex, fast-moving research groups running smoothly anticipating needs, solving problems, and helping the PIs stay focused on scientific impact.

At Berkeley Lab, your work supports teams tackling real-world challenges through world-class research. You'll also be part of an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes and a mission-driven community that values collaboration, service, and excellence.

You will:

• Provide high-level administrative support with sound judgment, initiative, discretion, and creativity.
• Manage PI calendars and email; serve as the primary liaison for scheduling, information requests, and stakeholder coordination.
• Manage complex domestic and international travel for the Principal Investigators and visitors, including itineraries, approvals, visas (as needed), logistics coordination, and timely expense reporting/reconciliation.
• Coordinate administrative services such as time reporting, hiring/onboarding/offboarding, publication tracking, procurement, and equipment tracking.
• Draft and coordinate complex documents (technical/scientific reports, presentations) with PI/Program Manager guidance.
• Plan and execute reviews, workshops, meetings, and visitor logistics (agendas, approvals, A/V, catering, travel) and coordinate with Lab partners.
• Support research group operations by coordinating seminars and routine/special meetings.
• Partner with HR on requirements for students, postdocs, and affiliates.

We are looking for:

• BA/BS and/or 4-6 years of related experience (or equivalent experience), supporting senior leaders in complex research/academic environments.
• Proven experience supporting senior PIs with professionalism, diplomacy, and strong relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex domestic/international travel, including visas, approvals, and expenses.
• Strong organization and project management skills; able to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience coordinating events and solving problems proactively; adaptable under changing priorities.
• Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and procedures appropriately.
• Excellent written/verbal communication; skilled at drafting/editing correspondence, presentations, proposals, and reports with high accuracy.
• Collaborative, service-oriented team member with a track record of working effectively across groups.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Google Workspace, Zoom, and calendaring tools; able to learn new systems quickly (including basic web content management).

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Knowledge of LBNL, DOE, and UC policies and procedures, with working familiarity with Berkeley Lab financial and HR systems and related UC processes, including procurement.
• Valid California driver's license and willingness to transport Principal Investigators or visitors on the LBNL site or to Berkeley, with required training for operation of government vehicles.

Additional information:

• Posted: 17-Jan-26
• Location: Berkeley, California
• Categories: Staff/Administrative
• Internal Number: 105834
• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 9, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected salary for this position is $90,288 - $121,320, which fits into the full salary of $90,288 - $152,340 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. This position will require a minimum of four days per week on the LBNL campus, with additional onsite presence as needed for meetings and workshops. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov