[Remote] Research Director - National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Berkeley Lab is hiring a Research Director to lead the National Alliance for Water Innovation’s research program. The role oversees and develops NAWI’s research portfolio, aligns it with DOE priorities, and connects researchers and practitioners across water technologies and regional water systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee NAWI’s research portfolio in close collaboration with Topic Area Leads and project leads
• Partner closely with the NAWI executive team, including the Executive Director, Operations Director, and Topic Area Leads
• Build strong relationships with researchers across water technologies, regional water systems, and related fields such as hydrology, economics, and public policy
• Support and oversee Topic Area Leads, including hiring and performance management
• Develop annual research budgets and manage resources responsibly within approved guidelines, laws, and regulations
• May serve as PI for a Berkeley Lab-directed research program integrating NAWI’s research and application efforts

Skills

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in research, leadership, research administration and/or practice in roles in water treatment technology development, regional water planning, or closely related fields is required
• Familiarity with a wide range of water treatment processes and technologies, water regulatory policy and law, and global trends in water resource development and management
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Proven ability to collaborate with and lead teams with different expertise, skills, and backgrounds. Showing respect for differences and utilizing different perspectives and experience to build a stronger applied research program
• Track record of responsible stewardship of federal and other funds
• Critical competence in technology development and commercialization, regional water planning, leading change and motivational leadership:
• Subject matter expertise: The RD is an experienced leader in research and/or practice with a thorough understanding of the water industry, water policy and planning, finance and business administration
• The RD is an experienced leader of teams that develop new technologies and has experience guiding technology development from early-stage applied research to commercial adoption and market and end user acceptance
• The RD is an experienced change leader and can effectively guide individuals and stakeholders through changes in research direction, particularly based on user needs and research advances
• The RD is an inspirational and compelling communicator and able to clearly articulate and promulgate an organizational vision that engages multiple stakeholders. The RD models behaviors and values consistent with the vision and goals of the organization and proactively identifies positive contributions by team members throughout the organization
• Technology development and commercialization: The RD is an experienced leader of teams that develop new technologies and has experience guiding technology development from early-stage applied research to commercial adoption and market and end user acceptance is preferred
• An advanced degree in relevant disciplines is strongly desirable

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you’ll belong; invested in our teams
• Vacation and sick time
• Annual Winter Holiday Shutdown
• Parental bonding leave for both mothers and fathers
• Pet insurance
• Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, or remote. Remote workers must reside in the United States, 150 miles away from Berkeley Lab, and are expected to intermittently conduct work, attend meetings and training on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

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