Civic Science Fellow (9611C), Center for the Science of Psychedelics #88430

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Departmental Overview

The UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP) is an interdisciplinary research, journalism, and public education center exploring psychedelics.

Our work includes world-leading academic research into the role and nature of psychedelics and the brain and mind; a set of highly acclaimed independent journalism programs that report on groundbreaking issues related to psychedelic science, history, politics, culture, and therapeutic value; and a community engagement strand that brings learnings from the Center's work to communities for dialogue and action on UC Berkeley's campus and beyond, with a focus on diversity of voices, inclusiveness, and equity-driven approaches in all facets of the Center's work. Clarity about the role of equity-driven approaches in the BCSP's communications is essential. The BCSP is overseen by its Executive Director (ED), who reports to the Faculty Director (FD).

Position Summary

With generous funding and program support from the Rita Allen Foundation, the BCSP is participating in the Civic Science Fellows program for the second time.

By employing a Civic Science fellow, the BCSP aims to deepen its commitment to supporting the public good by integrating sound research, harm reduction principles, and public engagement approaches. Civic Science Fellows, as a cohort nationally, are emerging leaders from diverse demographic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. They are becoming thought leaders, bridge builders, change agents, and communicators working to learn about community priorities and scientific research and bring those worlds together to create fundamentally new ways of solving problems.

The Civic Science Fellow will spend 18 months working on a Civic Science project within the BCSP, that draws upon evidence-based approaches connected to science communication and community engagement in order to co-create strong, diverse, and inclusive connections between science and civic life. The BCSP maintains a list of possible projects, embedded within larger Center initiatives, that it will share with the Civic Science fellow. The BCSP will engage in a collaborative process with the Civic Science fellow to determine the final project, including the problem to be addressed, the audience(s), the methodological approaches to use, the outputs created, and the engagement and dissemination strategies. The BCSP Civic Science Fellow will also have the option of proposing a co-creative new project idea within the first three months of the fellowship, aligned with the BCSP's mission, vision, intended impact, values, and current initiatives, available on our website: https://psychedelics.berkeley.edu/mission-vision/.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is September 8, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

45%

• Collaboratively plan, co-design, and execute an equity-driven civic science project embedded within BCSP mission and core pillars. Synthesize complex scientific literature and qualitative insights, establish novel engagement methodologies, and author/create high-visibility work products and/or events (e.g., reports, toolkits, media assets, workshops, symposia).

30%

• Lead interdisciplinary dialogue, co-design processes, and relationship-building across academic researchers, community advocates, policymakers, and media partners directly engaged in the project. Translate project research findings into accessible, actionable insights for non-academic stakeholders.

20%

• Actively participate in national Civic Science Fellows cohort learning activities, training modules, peer mentorship, cross-cohort convenings, and professional development programs supported by the Rita Allen Foundation network.

5%

• Advise BCSP leadership and team members on applying national fellowship insights and project-tested civic science practices to broaden equity-driven approaches across overall Center operations and initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to independently develop, standardize, and execute novel civic engagement techniques and frameworks, contributing original procedural ideas beyond standard outreach.
• Track record of delivering successful stakeholder (especially public) engagement projects, excellent project management skills, and an appreciation of the civic science approach.
• Ability to review, abstract, and synthesize complex scientific literature and insights into accessible, high-impact work products (e.g., reports, policy briefs, toolkits, public scholarship, events, and workshops).
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when responding to issues and concerns in culturally sensitive contexts.
• Demonstrated ability in project management, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met, with strong organizational skills and experience creating systems accessible to diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and collaborative tools that facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate an understanding of and/or ability to learn why the BCSP's mission is timely and relevant, as well as a nuanced appreciation of important research and social issues in contemporary psychedelic science.
• Experience in participatory action research, community co-design frameworks, or other approaches to inclusive science generation and communication.
• Familiarity with diverse methodological frameworks and fit-for-purpose research designs suited for investigating complex social issues, evaluating impact, and driving evidence-informed strategies.

Education / Training

• Bachelors degree or equivalent international degree and at least (5) years of professional experience OR Masters degree or equivalent international degree and at least three (3) years of professional experience. (Required)

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 range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $78,505.39 (Step 3) - $83,281.24 (Step 6).

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is an 18-month, full-time (40 hours/week), Limited [temporary] position that is eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is eligible for up to 4 days/week remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
• 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 governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research Support Professionals Unit (RX) between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/rx/index.html
  • The automatic conversion to career status, as provided in Section B.2. above, will not occur when: c. The funding for the position is "one time" funding, of eighteen (18) months or less.

Misconduct

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.