Scientific Engineering Associate (Micro-Scale Applications Group)

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Scientific Engineering Associate to join the Micro-Scale Applications Group for cutting-edge developments in microbiome research!

In this exciting role, you will develop new methods and improve sample-processing workflows to advance microbiome explorations. Work will focus on two main areas: 1) Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) metagenomics; and 2) Using semi-permeable capsules to carry out molecular biology reactions within microcompartments.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to assay development, instrument validation, whole genome amplification, and sequence data analysis. Collaborating with external partners, vendors, and other subject matter experts, you will generate solutions for process automation using various liquid handlers and laboratory instruments. Additionally, you will lead internal R&D experiments to demonstrate new technologies, optimize laboratory processes, and recommend improvements. Reporting to the Microscale Applications Group Lead, you will train and support other JGI team members in implementing new methods and provide guidance on projects. Additional duties include processing JGI User samples and troubleshooting workflow issues related to the SIP metagenomics pipeline.

The JGI's mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOE's research mission to solve the world's evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. This position is headquartered at Berkeley Lab's main site within the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

This position has an anticipated start date of January 15, 2026.

We're here for the same mission: to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What You Will Do:

• Develop and implement methods utilizing semi-permeable capsules to perform moderately complex molecular biology reactions that reveal the genetic composition and gene expression patterns of microbes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in automated liquid handling programming, method development, and instrument validation.
• Support JGI User projects focused on utilizing Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) metagenomics.
• Collaborate with JGI Users to determine project feasibility and provide guidance on experimental design.
• Train group members on new laboratory techniques, workflows, and instrumentation.
• Contribute to cross-team and cross-group collaborations within the JGI and to continuous method improvement efforts for JGI User projects.
• Develop and maintain documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all technology development and optimization activities.
• Present project progress and process optimization updates during group meetings and internal reviews.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience generating and analyzing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience with standard molecular biology techniques.
• Experience developing automated methods using laboratory instruments, such as liquid handlers.
• Familiarity with microbiome research approaches, such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, or single-cell genomics.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, perform statistical analyses, and visualize data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience organizing and presenting technical information to varying audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including experience collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team.
• Must be physically able to lift 20 lbs.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
• Experience working with microfluidic systems and microdroplet emulsion generation.
• Proficient in whole genome amplification and associated clean handling techniques.
• Familiarity with diverse microscopy modalities or laser microdissection.

Additional Information:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position by December 3, 2025.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to a Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary Information: This position has a budgeted salary range of $84,552 - $105,720 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $84,552 - $142,716 annually for job code N50.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• Background Check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work Modality: This position will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, located at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information, click here).
• Relocation Assistance: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Berkeley Lab does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.