The Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Research Director to lead the research program for the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI). NAWI is a DOE Energy Innovation Hub dedicated to securing America's water future through innovative water treatment technologies and regional water planning. The Research Director (RD) for NAWI is the research leader of the organization, with responsibility for developing and leading substantive research mostly through others. The RD works closely with the Executive Director (ED), the Topic Area Leads (TALs), and the relevant technology manager(s) from the Department of Energy (DOE) to maintain alignment with DOE's mission goals through its research portfolio. The RD ensures that NAWI's mission and vision are met through developing and leading a research portfolio with strong and compelling research projects that combine together to advance the sponsoring DOE office priorities. The RD works to build connections between projects and their personnel at national labs, academia, industry, and utilities. The RD skillfully works both in the research realm and the practitioner realm and connects the two, critically working to build trust between the people involved. The RD may also lead a new proposal to extend NAWI into the future beyond its current 2029 end date. We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes! Why join Berkeley Lab? We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year. Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers) Pet insurance
You will:
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.
We are looking for:
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. 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. Leading through changes: 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. Motivational leadership: 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.
Desired skills/knowledge:
Additional information:
Appointment type: This is a 3 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.NAWI's Research Director can be a part-time or full-time position depending on the incumbent's portfolio. Salary range: The salary range for this position is $197,628 - $246,996, annualized based on full-time work. Final salary will depend 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 may be performed on-site, hybrid,or remote.Remote workers are defined as individuals that reside in the United States, but 150 miles away from Berkeley Lab. There will be an expectation to intermittently conduct work, attend meetings and training on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.
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Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
sick time, 401(k)
Aug 13, 2026