Teen Research Program Summer Instructor

An instructor working with a student

Share your excitement for STEM learning with the next generation of youth! For over 50 years, The Lawrence Hall of Science has been providing fun and engaging science learning experiences. Now you can be part of our team as a Teen Research Program Instructor and inspire teens with curiosity and scientific inquiry, engage teens in hands-on project-based learning, and mentor teens on their unique pathways.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to: thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu. Please double check content, dates, and time requirements before sending your application.

Overview

This position is an excellent opportunity for graduate or undergraduate students passionate about the intersection of STEM and education. In this role, you will lead fun, engaging, and meaningful hands-on science learning experiences for teens. This position offers valuable professional growth and practical teaching experience in STEM education for middle and high school youth.

Responsibilities

Develop an understanding of, and the ability to facilitate STEM Teen Research programming in a hands-on learning environment while supplying accurate scientific information. This includes further reading or research on a subject or topic.

Present programs in an energetic, appropriate, and fun way that actively engages participants while managing a learning environment for participants’ well being and safety.

Be responsible for materials management, including set-up, clean-up, and storage.

Thoroughly understand building safety and security as well as implement emergency procedures as required.

Serve as an appropriate and enthusiastic role model and mentor for youth in grades 7-12.

Adhere to all of the policies and procedures of UC Berkeley and The Lawrence.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change somewhat based on exact programming needs.

Required Qualifications

  • Broad knowledge of various media venues, technical aspects and requirements of various venues, and the most appropriate and effective applications. 
  • Advanced knowledge of all aspects of communications to ensure delivery of the desired and culturally relevant message with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
  • Advanced skills related to utilizing communications, marketing strategies and practices  (e.g. creative promotional and advertising strategies, data-driven audience segmentation) to achieve revenue goals and targets across diverse and multilingual audiences.
  • Advanced skills related to various forms of communication including (1) writing (including writing of public remarks/speeches/statements) (2) speaking (including with media and the public), (3) interpersonal communications (including active listening), (4) political navigation.
  • Ability to ascertain the sensitivity of a situation and then determine and maintain appropriate discretion and confidentiality.
  • Strong analytic, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to manage changing conditions effectively as well as proactively pursue and respond to opportunities.
  • Strong knowledge of applicable state and federal laws pertaining to marketing, data privacy and advertising issues and concerns and other related policies or laws. 
  • Ability to gain advanced knowledge of (1) The Lawrence and UC Berkeley (e.g. achievements, mission, vision, goals, policies, practices and infrastructure), and (2) current affairs, issues in related field(s) (e.g. education and/or science (STEM) learning)
  • Strong management skills and understanding of technical applications (e.g. project and financial management) in order to effectively manage professional technical staff and communications partners/vendors including execution of design concepts, various media and mediums, applications, etc. to achieve project goals on time and on budget. 
  • Knowledge and/or experience producing communications materials for both English and Spanish speakers.
  • Strong supervisory skills to (1) select, train, evaluate, lead, direct, guide and motivate staff to produce high quality work, (2) take corrective action as required, (3) to select, onboard and oversee communication partners and vendors. 
  • Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed.
  • Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
  • Must maintain a valid California Driver’s License and clean DMV record.

Qualifications

  • Excited to share science learning experiences with youth in grades 7-12
  • Demonstrated teaching methods in informal (out-of-school) or formal (in-school) learning environments
  • Responsible, organized, and healthy work ethic 
  • Capable of working independently and collaboratively with an educational team
  • Strong customer service and verbal communication skills
  • Required content expertise based on the specific program(s) to which you are applying to teach (see below)–you can apply for more than one program title
  • Reliable, punctual, and available to work for all of the required dates and times
  • Able to traverse uneven grounds and lift up to 25 pounds (carts are available)

Required Dates, Times, and Content Expertise

Virtual Orientation (must attend one)– Wednesday, June 4 OR Thursday, June 5, 4-5:00 p.m.

Virtual Prep (TBD based on your team’s schedule)– week of  June 9-12 for ~2 hours

In-person Training Tuesday, June 17, 9:00-5:00 p.m. at The Lawrence

In-person Set Up June 18 and 20, 9:00-5:00 p.m. at UC Berkeley campus (June 19 is a UC holiday)

In-person Instruction for Middle and High School (MS/HS), exact dates and times are stated below according to when each content title is scheduled. Clicking on a title will take you to the related webpage to learn more.

MS Animal Behavior and Investigations: knowledge of animal behavior research methods (field- and lab-based)

MS Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations: knowledge of human body systems and human health, e.g., pre-med coursework

MS Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploration: experience with Scratch and Python and some knowledge of satellite technology and/or astronomy

MS Electrical Engineering with Solar Energy: basic electrical engineering and climate science background

HS Artificial Intelligence for Real-Life Problem Solving: experience with Python coding and some work in artificial intelligence

HS Biotech Engineering and Innovations in Genetics: knowledge of and experience with CRISPR technology and related lab skills, e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, sterile technique, bacterial transformation by plasmid DNA, restriction enzymes

HS Climate Data analysis and Visualization with Python: experience with Python coding for data analysis and creating data visualizations, and knowledge of climate science

The above titles are being offered in the following sessions:

Session 1 Instruction Mon-Fri, June 23-27, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley

Session 2 Instruction Mon-Fri, July 7-11, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley

Session 4 Instruction Mon-Fri, July 21-26, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley (7PM departure Friday after pack up)


HS The Psychology of Wellbeing: research methods in social science and psychology, data skills

The above title is being offered in the following session:

Session 1 Instruction Mon-Fri, June 23-27, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley


HS Bioinspired Design: experience with the engineering design process (especially mechanical engineering or materials science) and animal behavior or adaptations

The above title is being offered in the following sessions:

Session 2 Instruction Mon-Fri, July 7-11, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley

Session 3 Instruction Sat-Sat, July 12-19, approximately 8 hours/day, variable hours at UC Santa Cruz (transportation, room, and board provided)

Session 4 Instruction Mon-Fri, July 21-26, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at UC Berkeley (7PM departure Friday after pack up)


HS Field Ecology: forest ecology and/or environmental science, including ecosystem management and field research methods, strong data skills, ability to traverse uneven surfaces, and walk/hike 4-6 miles throughout a day

HS Marine Biology: marine biology, including ecosystems and field and lab research methods, strong data skills, ability to traverse uneven surfaces (including climbing over rocks and boulders, hiking up and down trails on semi-steep terrain, and walking over wet and dry sand) and walk/hike 5-7 miles throughout the day *MUST BE OVER 21 and possess a valid California driver’s license.

The above titles are being offered in the following session:Session 3 Instruction Sat-Sat, July 12-19, approximately 8 hours/day, variable hours at UC Santa Cruz (transportation, room, and board provided)

To Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to: thelawrenceteens@berkeley.edu. Please double check content, dates, and time requirements before sending your application.