Project Manager, Wet Lab Specialist (0480U) - #84542

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Capital Projects manages the design, construction, retrofitting, and restoration of campus buildings and their surroundings. Many skilled professionals work in Capital Projects as Project Managers who have backgrounds in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, engineering, construction and administrative personnel, all of whom work to serve the campus community.

Position Summary

This position involves managing preconstruction and construction of large, politically challenging capital projects, including ground-up high-rise housing projects, complex academic buildings, and projects of the highest value.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/06/2026.

Responsibilities

• Conducts constructability reviews of project documents and evaluates GC comments to ensure alignment with best practices.
• Collaborates with UCB, design team, and the GC to verify that drawings accurately reflect design intent, comply with UCB and code standards, and minimize conflicts or ambiguities.
• Establishes project milestones and schedules, evaluates GC's schedule for overall efficiency, coordinates with owner-directed work, and reviews look-ahead schedules to ensure alignment and timely execution.
• Provides oversite of trade package buyout through procurement.
• Reviews bid packages to optimize outcomes and mitigate change orders.
• Collaborates with design and construction teams to develop strategy for scoping and alternates.
• Offers strategic recommendations to enhance cost efficiency and mitigate the budget related risks.
• Provides technical guidance and innovative solutions on design and constructability challenges.
• Serves as technical expert providing advice, consultation and coordination of specific systems.
• Supports and manages RFQ/P processes to onboard owner consultants required for construction.
• Recommends candidates and leads outreach efforts to engage and recruit the most qualified consultants.
• Resolves problems or conflicts in areas of expertise, including recommending a range of solutions to disputed issues or contractor claims.
• Maintains consistent and clear communication with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
• Prepares cost estimates and functional studies.
• Professional Development: Attends workshops, seminars, and classes to keep up-to-date on capital project management issues and best practices as well as university and campus policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Expert written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including expert level political acumen and negotiation skills.
• Expert knowledge of design and construction, contract administration and state building codes, including expert understanding of industry practices or highly specialized and critical disciplines.
• Expert project management skills to effectively manage highly complex projects or highly specialized and critical components of projects with a significant impact on the organization.
• Expert skill in building, maintaining and nurturing strong professional relationships to achieve short- and long-range program implementation goals.
• Expert knowledge in technical areas of construction, such as sustainability, mechanical engineering, landscape architecture, infrastructure or other specialty fields.
• Expert skill to apply specific technological solutions in the construction planning phase and skill in ensuring appropriate implementation and function during project construction and completion.
• Expert skill in advising and consulting with all levels of management and/or capital planning, budgeting and construction professionals.
• Expert skill in promoting, advancing and implementing programs within area of expertise.
• Advanced knowledge of and/or can quickly learn the organization, including its infrastructure, rules, regulations, policies and short- and long-range strategic plans.
• Expert analytical, organizational, project management and problem recognition/avoidance/resolution skills.
• Solution oriented.
• Experience with design and construction of high-rise, construction and highly technical projects.
• Expert ability to create and maintain project schedules.
• Expert ability to manage construction project budgets and experience working with design and construction professionals on VE opportunities to maintain project budgets.
• Expert at creating and reviewing detailed scope docs for bidding of complex construction projects.
• Expert ability at managing consultants and contractors.
• Operates with a high level of communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $160,000.00 - $190,000.00

• This is a 2-year, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment that is eligible for UC benefits with the possibility of extension.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to % hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional 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; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.