We’re Hiring: Associate Director, Social Science Matrix

Social Science Matrix, UC Berkeley’s flagship interdisciplinary research incubator for the social sciences, seeks a dynamic, skilled administrator to serve as Associate Director. The Associate Director will be an Academic Coordinator II and will collaborate with the Director and other leaders in the Matrix team, and should embody the entrepreneurial, innovative spirit that is central to the Matrix mission. The successful candidate will have the energy and intellectual breadth to nurture a growing platform of interdisciplinary social science programs and initiatives.

Social Science Matrix was created in 2013 to serve as an incubator for faculty and graduate student research across the social sciences at Berkeley, which comprise more than 450 faculty members working in a broad array of theoretical orientations and methods. The mission of Social Science Matrix is to generate and nurture fresh, cross-disciplinary research within the social sciences, and to link these disciplines to other academic fields. We sponsor a variety of interdisciplinary seminars, coordinate events, and provide grant support to help faculty from across academic fields work together to address emerging challenges in basic research. In late 2014, Matrix moved into a newly renovated space on the top floor of Berkeley’s Barrows Hall; this new space serves as a major hub for seminars, events, and other activities.

Reporting to the Director, the Associate Director oversees and directs the administration of research programs and working groups. The Associate Director also serves as the operational lead for Matrix programs and initiatives; helps design, communicate and implement initiatives; participates in development; and helps set the tone for the institution. The Associate Director must be able to schedule multiple people and events in a fast-paced, busy environment. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record as an intellectual innovator and organizational administrator.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
• An advanced degree in Social Science.

Additional Required Qualifications (required by start date):
• At least one year of experience in managing personnel and coordinating logistics across a complex enterprise, including planning events, conferences and workshops.

Preferred Qualifications (by the start date):
• PhD or equivalent international degree.
• Proven skills in fundraising, especially in a research environment.
• Familiarity with developing a new institutionÍž comfort working in a startup environment.
• The ability to learn quickly, and work under tight deadlines.
• Willingness to work as part of an executive team.

• Relevant work experience in research and development inside or outside of the academy, intellectual vision, and the ability to lead a large academic research enterprise.
• A demonstrated broad understanding of the social sciences and the ability to communicate effectively across disciplines
• The demonstrated ability to write compelling and incisive prose.

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