Position overview Position title: Assistant Researcher
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2023-24/july-2023-acad-salary-scales/t13-b.pdf . A reasonable estimate for this position is $87,100-113,900.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: Fall 2023
Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
Application Window
Open date: August 29, 2023
Next review date: Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Sep 29, 2023 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.
Position description
The department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant Researcher in the Butsic Lab, in the area Interdisciplinary Cannabis Research. The successful candidate will also be the Director of the Berkeley Cannabis Research Center.
Due to the rising recognition of the need for robust, interdisciplinary research into the wide-ranging impacts and applications of cannabis, especially in light of the expanding legalization of medicinal and recreational use globally, this position is needed. At the Cannabis Research Center, we are committed to exploring the boundaries of our understanding of cannabis and its effects on, social dynamics, economic impacts, and the environment. The Researcher will be a crucial contributor to ongoing key projects, including investigating the impact of legalization on cannabis farmers, the socio-economic implications of cannabis legalization, and the development of sustainable cultivation practices. They will employ an integrative research approach, harmonizing insights from fields such as anthropology, economics, and environmental science, to deepen our knowledge of cannabis and provide data-driven recommendations for policy and industry.
Responsibilities:
An integral part of this position involves the development and execution of new research projects, including the critical task of writing manuscripts and securing financial support. The candidate will be expected to be the lead author on peer-reviewed manuscripts and publications and successful publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts will be considered a sign of success in this position. In addition, the candidate will actively seek grant opportunities, write compelling proposals, and establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the cannabis industry, academic institutions, and philanthropic entities. They will be expected to be innovative and forward-thinking, identifying emerging trends and gaps in cannabis research that align with the center's capabilities and aims. The candidate will also be responsible for ensuring these projects are delivered on time and within budget, while adhering to the highest standards of scientific rigor and ethical research.
As the director of the Berkeley Cannabis Research Center, the candidate will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of steering the center's research agenda. This leadership role entails coordinating with a diverse team of researchers, ensuring the highest quality of interdisciplinary research, and continually pushing the frontiers of our understanding of cannabis. The candidate will foster an atmosphere of collaboration, open inquiry, and rigorous scientific practice. They will also be responsible for overseeing research operations, potentially managing personnel, engaging with the cannabis community and maintaining the center's alignment with both its mission and the broader academic and research goals of the University of California, Berkeley.
While conducting research and writing scholarly articles is the primary responsibility, a significant aspect of the role includes the dissemination of the center's research findings. The candidate will serve as the primary liaison to policymakers, the general public, and other stakeholders. They will have a responsibility to communicate complex research findings in an accessible and impactful way, fostering informed discourse around cannabis policy and usage. Additionally, they will facilitate the translation of the center's research into practical applications, including policy decisions. This aspect of the role requires not only an in-depth understanding of the research but also excellent communication skills and a keen awareness of the social, political, and economic dimensions of cannabis use and regulation.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree)
Preferred qualifications
Expertise with interdisciplinary cannabis research
Excellent writing and communication skills
Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals
Interest and experience in extending research to policy makers and the public at large
Demonstrated experience in successfully attracting grant funding, either as Co-PI or PI
Proven leadership of research teams
Application Requirements
Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference requirements
3 required (contact information only) Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04097
Help contact: vanbutsic@berkeley.edu
Campus Information
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
Job location
Berkeley, CA
To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04097
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