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David Gilbert

David Gilbert

David Gilbert, Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach, DOE Joint Genome Institute

David Gilbert is Senior Manager of Communications and Outreach at the JGI. He joined the JGI in 2003 and drove the communications effort during the transition from the Human Genome Project to its current role as a national user facility tasked with characterizing plants and microbes to advance research in bioenergy, global carbon cycling, and biogeochemistry. Gilbert, a graduate of University of California, Berkeley with a degree in agricultural biotechnology, began his career in the biotechnology industry in 1983 where until 1988 he conducted research in plant molecular biology for Advanced Genetic Sciences located in Oakland, California. When the company then merged with DNA Plant Technology Corporation, Gilbert shifted his role from research to administration, assuming the role of Corporate Communications Manager. In 1992 he joined Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory where until December 2001 he was Development & Communications Officer for the Life Sciences and Genomics Divisions, building the industry partnerships program there. From 2001-2003 he served as Associate Director, Industry Outreach for The UC Discovery Grant, which provided $17 million in matching funds to foster industry-academic partnerships throughout the ten campuses and national laboratories of the University of California. In addition to his professional activities in the field of biotechnology Gilbert served for ten years as president of the board of directors of Biotech Partners, an innovative non-profit, school-to-career program that enables underserved youth to prepare for entry-level skilled technical careers in the biotechnology industry. Gilbert’s current JGI responsibilities also include overseeing educational partnerships.

Education

  • 2018, UC-Coro Systemwide Leadership Collaborative, Leading with Diversity: Strategies for Recruitment and Retention
  • Executive Leadership Management Institute Certificate, Stanford University
  • Leadership Contra Costa Program Graduate (Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce) 
  • Technical Management Program Certificate, University of California, Los Angeles
  • Bachelor of Science, University of California, Berkeley, Conservation and Resource Studies

About the JGI Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach

The Senior Manager of Communications & Outreach is responsible for sustaining the integrity of the JGI brand through an integrated marketing and communications approach in support of JGI’s strategic vision, the Institute’s staff and user community.

Awards and Service