Help Us Build a More Accessible and Connected Biotech Community

Volunteer

Who We Are

Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to biotechnology education, mentorship, professional development, and community-building opportunities.

Our programs bring together scientists, students, founders, investors, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders. Volunteers play an important role in helping us deliver high-quality events and initiatives for the broader biotech community.

Whether you are looking to contribute your professional skills, meet others in the life sciences ecosystem, or support an organization with a meaningful mission, we welcome your interest.

become a volunteer

Why Volunteer With Us?

  • Support educational and professional development programs

  • Build relationships with professionals across biotech, healthcare, AI, and entrepreneurship

  • Gain experience in nonprofit operations, event production, communications, and community engagement

  • Contribute your skills to projects with measurable community impact

  • Help make the biotech ecosystem more accessible to students and early-career professionals

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller

Volunteer Testimonials

Tiffany Terry, Ph.D

Being part of the Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I have genuinely enjoyed contributing to the Speaker Series and supporting the Foundation's mission of connecting scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators through education and community. One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing the positive impact our speakers have had on attendees, reflected in the thoughtful feedback we consistently receive after each session. As someone interested in technology commercialization and entrepreneurship, I have also learned a tremendous amount from our speakers about the journey from academic discovery to company formation and bringing innovations to market. Hearing their personal stories of transitioning from bench science to careers in entrepreneurship and investing has been both inspiring and invaluable, and I am grateful to be part of an organization that is helping to make those conversations accessible to the next generation of biotech innovators.

Himani Gupta, MD

Volunteering with the Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation has been incredibly rewarding. What I enjoy most are the in-person events, where scientists, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and students from very different backgrounds end up in the same room, learning from one another. As a physician trained in translational medicine, I especially value a community that bridges clinical practice and industry. I’ve seen how much this community helps newcomers, from early-career professionals finding their footing to first-time founders looking for guidance and connections, and the Speaker Series, where people openly share their own experiences, is especially valuable for those just starting out. I also truly enjoy working with the team, who are all very supportive, especially Vanloan. I’d encourage anyone looking to give back and grow in the pharma and biotech ecosystem to volunteer with the Foundation.

Opportunities

Event
Support

Help us deliver professional in-person and virtual events.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Welcoming and checking in guests

  • Assisting with event setup and cleanup

  • Preparing food and beverage areas

  • Supporting speakers, panelists, and event partners

  • Monitoring event spaces and directing attendees

  • Assisting with audiovisual equipment and presentation logistics

  • Taking event photos or helping document key moments

Marketing and Communications

Support outreach and storytelling across our digital channels.

Projects may include:

  • Drafting social media posts

  • Creating event graphics

  • Updating website content

  • Supporting newsletters and email campaigns

  • Writing speaker and event descriptions

  • Helping promote Foundation programs and community opportunities

Community Engagement

Help us strengthen relationships with participants, volunteers, speakers, and partner organizations.

Projects may include:

  • Conducting outreach to prospective attendees

  • Following up with volunteers and community members

  • Supporting attendee surveys and feedback collection

  • Welcoming new participants into the Foundation community

  • Identifying potential academic, nonprofit, and industry partners

Program and Research Support

Contribute to the development of educational and mission-driven initiatives.

Projects may include:

  • Researching potential programs and community needs

  • Supporting mentorship and internship initiatives

  • Identifying grant and sponsorship opportunities

  • Organizing program information and impact data

  • Assisting with special projects based on your background and interests

Fundraising and Partnerships

Help the Foundation develop the resources needed to expand its programs.

Projects may include:

  • Researching prospective sponsors and donors

  • Preparing sponsorship materials

  • Supporting partnership outreach

  • Assisting with grant research

  • Helping organize fundraising campaigns and donor communications

FAQ

  • We welcome volunteers from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds, including:

    • Undergraduate and graduate students
      Postdoctoral researchers

    • Scientists and engineers

    • Healthcare professionals

    • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical professionals

    • Founders and entrepreneurs

    • Investors and business professionals

    • Marketing, design, communications, and event professionals

    • Retired professionals interested in mentoring or community service

    Prior biotechnology experience is helpful for some roles but is not required for every volunteer opportunity.

    We are especially interested in volunteers who are dependable, professional, collaborative, and willing to follow through on agreed-upon responsibilities.

  • Volunteer roles vary depending on the program or event. Before accepting an assignment, volunteers will receive information about:

    • The scope of the role

    • Expected time commitment

    • Important deadlines

    • The primary point of contact

    • Any required meetings or training

    Some opportunities are project-based, while others may involve recurring support. Most planning and administrative work can be completed remotely. In-person event volunteers must be able to travel to the event location.

    Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Volunteer assignments are based on current organizational needs, availability, qualifications, and fit.

  • After submitting the form:

    1. Our team will review your interests, skills, and availability.

    2. We may contact you for a brief introductory conversation.

    3. When an appropriate opportunity becomes available, we will provide the role description, expectations, and timeline.

    4. You can decide whether the specific opportunity is a good fit before committing.

    Because volunteer needs change throughout the year, we may retain your information and contact you about future programs or events.

  • For additional questions about volunteering, please contact:

    Berkeley Pharma Tech Foundation
    VanloanNguyen@berkeleypharmatechfoundation.org

    Please include “Volunteer Inquiry” in the subject line.

Join Our Community

Your time and expertise can help us create more opportunities for people to learn, connect, and participate in the future of biotechnology.

Become a volunteer