Teen Research Programs Instructor

The Public Education Specialist – Teen Research Program Instructor 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 for middle and high school aged youth.

• Develop an understanding of, and the ability to facilitate programming in a hands-on learning environment while supplying accurate scientific information. This includes doing further reading or research as needed.
• 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/security procedures, and implement emergency procedures as required.
• Serve as an appropriate/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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please note that this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job and details may change based on exact programming needs.

• Responsible, organized, and healthy work ethic.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively with an educational team.
• Enthusiastic and competent to share science learning experiences with youth grades 7-12.
• Demonstrated creative teaching methods in informal (out-of-school) or formal (in-school) learning environments.
• 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, including when programs are offered over multiple sessions.
• Able to traverse uneven grounds and lift up to 40 pounds (carts are available).

• Bachelor’s Degree or a post-secondary education program in science, education, youth development, or related field.
• A good sense of humor, flexibility, and ability to think quickly and adapt.

Virtual Orientation (must attend one):
Wednesday, June 3, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. OR Thursday, June 4, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In-person Training (must attend all):
Monday, June 8, 9:00–5:00 p.m. at The Lawrence Hall of Science
Tuesday to Friday, June 9–12, 9:00–5:00 p.m. on UC Berkeley, Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB)

In-person Pack Up & Final Banquet (must attend):
Monday, August 3, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at VLSB and The Lawrence Hall of Science

In-person Instruction for Middle School (MS) and High School (HS): See program details below for dates, times, locations, and required content expertise. Note: You MUST be available to teach ALL sessions your program is offered and be available for ALL in-person training dates.

HS: Artificial Intelligence for Real-Life Problem Solving
Content expertise: Advanced Python coding skills (some students come in with pretty sophisticated Python skills), experience teaching using Google Colab notebooks or similar, understanding of machine learning principles and algorithms, experience with libraries such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, and the ability to guide students through data preprocessing, model training, and evaluation.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 3: July 6–10 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31

HS: Biotech Engineering and Innovations in Genetics
Content expertise: Genetics fundamentals, 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.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 3: July 6–10 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31 | + Some (~2hrs) prep time required ahead of each session

HS: Bioinspired Design and Prototyping
Content expertise: Experience with the engineering design process (e.g., problem identification, rapid prototyping, and iterative product development), especially mechanical engineering or materials science using nature-inspired designs (e.g., animal behavior or adaptations).
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31

HS: Field Ecology
Content expertise: 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. *MUST BE OVER 21 with a valid California driver’s license.
Session 1: UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory | Saturday to Friday, June 13–19, ~8.5 hrs/day | Room, board, and transportation provided
Session 4: UC Santa Cruz | Saturday to Friday, July 11–17, ~8.5 hrs/day | Room, board, and transportation provided

HS: Marine Biology
Content expertise: 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 with a valid California driver’s license.
Session 1: UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory | Saturday to Friday, June 13–19, ~8.5 hrs/day | Room, board, and transportation provided
Session 4: UC Santa Cruz | Saturday to Friday, July 11–17, ~8.5 hrs/day | Room, board, and transportation provided

HS: The Psychology of Wellbeing
Content expertise: Research methods in social science and psychology, strong data skills.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 3: July 6–10 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31

MS: Animal Behavior and Investigations
Content expertise: Observational methods, experimental design, and data analysis in the study of animal behavior.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 3: July 6–10

MS: Body Systems and Biomedical Innovations
Content expertise: Human anatomy basics, physiological systems, and human health, e.g., pre-med coursework.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 3: July 6–10 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31

MS: Coding and Engineering Nano-Satellites for Space Exploration
Content expertise: Coding fundamentals, experience with Scratch, Java, and Python as well as robotics kits (e.g., Hummingbird, Makeblock mBot, Ozobot Evo etc.), and some knowledge of satellite technology and/or astronomy.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 3: July 6–10 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31

MS: Designing and Engineering Our Future
Content expertise: Design thinking, engineering challenges (e.g., bridge building, solar powered fountains, wind turbines), prototyping, and collaborative problem solving for future technologies.
UC Berkeley VLSB | Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: June 22–26 | Session 3: July 6–10 | Session 5: July 20–24 | Session 6: July 27–31

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.