Science Advisor to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Overview

The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that exists to make California’s policies stronger with science and technology. As part of its program portfolio, CCST offers science residency opportunities placing technical experts in state government. CCST is advertising for a part-time Science Advisor to be placed within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). As the Governor’s lead economic development agency, GO-Biz works to attract, retain, and grow businesses in California while supporting innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic prosperity.

This part-time Science Advisor position, up to 29 hours per week, will provide expert technical guidance to GO-Biz and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) on the innovation economy, including key sectors identified in the California Economic Blueprint released by GO-Biz in February 2025 such as artificial intelligence, quantum, and semiconductors. The Science Advisor will be a trusted technical resource for GO-Biz and LWDA staff and leadership, supporting policy development, stakeholder engagement, grantee technical assistance, and the Governor’s Innovation Council.

Modeled after the position of Science Advisor to the President via the White House Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP), this position builds upon the depth and breadth of expertise within GO-Biz and helps to support executive-level efforts on cross-cutting issues, drawing upon an independent science perspective from external expertise when appropriate.

This position will be formally employed by CCST – a non-partisan, nonprofit organization established by the State Legislature in 1988 with the goal of connecting leading experts in science and technology with California state policymakers – and placed in GO-Biz on a part-time basis via a contract between CCST and GO-Biz.

Description of Responsibilities

The Science Advisor to GO-Biz will serve as a technical advisor on economic development policy at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation — with a particular focus on sectors identified in the California Economic Blueprint and the Jobs First Initiative, including artificial intelligence, quantum, and semiconductors. It is critical that the Science Advisor be highly regarded and trusted as an honest broker by leaders from industry, academia, communities, and the public sector.

This position requires an ability to exercise a broad range of knowledge on technical, executive management, policy, and governmental issues. The Science Advisor must also be adept at communicating complex ideas clearly and concisely and be well- versed in diplomacy. Success in this position will depend greatly on the Science Advisor’s ability to convene and maintain partnerships across the breadth of disciplines and communities represented by GO-Biz.

CCST Director of Science, Eric Chu ([email protected]), is available to respond to any questions on the scope of responsibilities.

Key responsibilities of the Science Advisor include:

• 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.

Salary

$150,000 – $170,000 annually for a part-time role of up to 29 hours per week, commensurate with expertise and experience. Benefits are not provided for this part-time position.

Location

Anywhere in California (remote). The position requires periodic in-person collaboration with GO-Biz staff, so the ability to travel to Sacramento on an as-needed basis is expected. Assistance with covering eligible travel expenses to Sacramento is available.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. CCST will not sponsor a work visa.

To Apply

Apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and CV through our online portal, including names and contact information of 3 professional references.

The cover letter should explain:

• Interest in the position and in supporting GO-Biz’s vision
• Degree and years of experience in relevant fields and positions
• Fit between the candidate’s skills and the desired qualifications (including examples from prior experience)

Please consider answering the voluntary questions on demographic data and where you learned about this position – this information helps us understand how we can continue to improve our recruitment processes to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce.

The California Council on Science and Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and our organization’s business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any such status protected under federal, state, or local law.

For additional information about the opportunity, please contact CCST Director of Science, Eric Chu ([email protected]). All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

Application Deadline

Applications received by July 24, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Timely
applications are strongly encouraged.

Apply

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About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. Modeled on the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), CCST is a unique, impartial resource for science and policy partnerships with California policymakers, such as those within the Governor’s Office, Agencies, and the Legislature. As a trusted advisor, CCST strengthens and informs California policy with scientific knowledge and innovation across technology, physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. This helps improve the lives of Californians, ensures the state remains a leader in technology and innovation, and guides global progress towards a healthy economy, society, and environment.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the Governor’s lead entity for economic strategy and the marketing of California on issues relating to business development, private sector investment, and economic growth. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, assistance with state government, and much more. GO-Biz works closely with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) and a broad range of state, local, and federal partners to advance California’s economic priorities, including the Jobs First Initiative and the California Economic Blueprint.