- Provide on-demand expertise to GO-Biz and LWDA staff and key leaders by offering policy recommendations, preparing confidential briefing materials, identifying workforce needs, and offering guidance to assist GO-Biz and LWDA in navigating California’s technology innovation ecosystem.
- Assist in the review of grantee applications, reports, and other documents associated with programs administered by GO-Biz, LWDA, and partners by providing expert knowledge regarding workforce and economic development in AI, quantum, semiconductors, and other relevant sub-sectors.
- Provide technical assistance to grantees through one-on-one support and by lending technical insights to program grantee office hours sessions as needed.
- Support stakeholder engagement and communication strategies by contributing to the formation of public-facing materials and directly interfacing with and facilitating interactions among key stakeholders.
- Support the Governor’s Innovation Council and subsequent initiatives by providing technical expertise and drafting materials that inform the decisions of this body.
- Represent GO-Biz and LWDA in an official capacity by attending and speaking at convenings, events, and other engagements as needed.
- Collaborate with personnel and external partners to analyze and aggregate information, ensuring that the initiatives of GO-Biz and LWDA are grounded in dependable data.
- Provide technical support to the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) team as needed to advance the California Jobs First initiative and other efforts led by GO-Biz and LWDA.
Sector Focus:
The Science Advisor’s duties will primarily support the following sectors and subsectors identified by the Jobs First Initiative in the California Economic Blueprint:
- Quantum
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Semiconductors
The Science Advisor may also be asked on an occasional basis to provide input across additional “Bet sectors” and “pilot sectors” identified in the California Economic Blueprint, including:
- Fusion
- Robotics
- Bioeconomy
- Blue economy / technology
- Critical Minerals
- Carbon management
- Pharmaceutical and biotech
Additional responsibilities of the Science Advisor may include:
- Respond to requests from GO-Biz and LWDA leadership for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice on priority innovation economy topics.
- Solicit information and ideas from and, where applicable, support coordination with a broad range of experts, including but not limited to state agencies, the academic research community, the private sector, federal research facilities and laboratories, foundations, Native American Tribes, community groups, and nonprofit organizations.
- Identify critical emerging science and technology issues that may be of concern to GO-Biz or LWDA.
This position reports to GO-Biz Deputy Director of Innovation and Emerging Technology Trelynd Bradley and works closely with the Director of Science (or delegate) of CCST. The Science Advisor will collaborate extensively with staff across all levels at GO-Biz and LWDA, staff and Science and Technology Policy Fellows at CCST, and a broad range of state, academic, industry, and community partners.
Position Requirements
The Science Advisor must have exceptional expertise and demonstrated experience at the intersection of science, technology, and economic or innovation policy. The position demands a high degree of credibility, diplomacy, and political acumen, strong integrity, and the ability to serve as a trusted honest broker at the nexus of multiple partnership networks. To be effective, the Science Advisor must be well- connected to an extensive network of interdisciplinary expertise from the science and innovation community within and beyond California.
The Science Advisor shall abide by GO-Biz’s Incompatible Activities Statement and all associated Personnel Policies.
Preferred qualifications:
- PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific, technical, or engineering discipline, along with cross-cutting experience in topics relevant to California’s innovation economy, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and related technology sectors.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in science, technology, engineering, research and innovation, or related policy fields, with at least some of that experience in or adjacent to the public sector or government- facing roles.
- A broad understanding of and curiosity for other science and technology fields, disciplines, and industries, including the workforce and economic development dimensions of emerging technology sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in California public policy, particularly as related to economic development, innovation, or workforce policy.
- Strong commitment to partnership and collaboration, including across sectors, scientific disciplines, and regions, with the ability to independently drive work streams
- A high degree of accountability, including recognized ability to manage a project transparently and meet multiple deadlines by organizing, prioritizing, and planning work.
- Must be able to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, critical and analytic thinking skills, and ability to synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, with ability to work as a team member as well as independently in a remote or hybrid environment.
Desired qualities:
- Current or recent affiliation with an accredited academic institution, research center or laboratory, a government agency, or non-partisan nonprofit or think tank.
- Familiarity with the California Economic Blueprint, the Jobs First Initiative, and/or programs administered by GO-Biz or LWDA.
- Prior experience in the technology industry, particularly in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, or other ‘Bet Sectors’ identified in the California Economic Blueprint.
- Ability to travel on an as-needed basis for in-person meetings with GO-Biz leadership and staff.