Bioinformaticist Research Scientist (Joint Genome Institute)

The Bioinformaticist Research Scientist in the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) will join the BioMolecular Materials Group to provide bioinformatics expertise for the joint user program with the Molecular Foundry. The role includes collaborating with users on project development and awarded projects, advancing external partnerships aligned with the U.S. Department of Energy's Biological and Environmental Research (BER) mission, and developing computational approaches to support research in critical minerals and materials, programmable living materials, and quantum genomics. The scientist will also build scalable bioinformatics workflows and help advance research integrating genomics with AI/ML, materials science, and emerging national priorities.

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

You will:

• Develop computational methods for cross-kingdom comparative genomics, functional prediction, and co-expression analysis.

• Build community-accessible atlases integrating genomic, structural, functional, and regulatory data.

• Evaluate and integrate AI-enabled tools and agents into scalable bioinformatics workflows and the Data Lakehouse platform.

• Perform large-scale genomic data analysis, develop strategies to uncover genome-based molecular mechanisms, and publish findings in collaboration with users and partners.

• Collaborate with the BioMolecular Materials Group and external users to support research projects.

• Present research at scientific conferences, workshops, and meetings.

• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused research environment.

• Supporting growth of the research team by recruiting talent, directing daily work, setting performance expectations, and supporting professional growth.

• Identify, develop, and secure external funding through competitive grant proposals and other sponsored research opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Support outreach to industry partners and other potential external partners in coordination with group leadership

We are looking for:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant research experience in bioinformatics tools, including phylogenetics and comparative genomics beyond the highest customary degree in a related field.

• Demonstrated experience conducting large-scale analysis of microbial and plant genomes and metagenomes, supported by a strong record of recent publications or manuscripts in preparation.

• Experience developing scalable computational workflows for high-throughput genomic data analysis.

• Proficiency in Python programming and experience developing scripts, tools, or pipelines to support biological data analysis.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, troubleshoot complex problems, and recommend appropriate solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise staff, including assigning work, providing coaching and performance feedback, and supporting employee development.

• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, including experience organizing and presenting technical reports to collaborators, staff, management, and sponsors.

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including experience preparing research results, publishing scientific research, delivering presentations, and preparing funding proposals.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while working effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.

• Commitment to maintaining a positive safety culture and demonstrated knowledge of EH\&S principles and practices.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals, with experience in the preparation and handling of scientific manuscripts, reports, and research posters.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or a related field.

• Experience with plant and algal functional genomics.

• Experience with metals in biology.

• Ability to identify, develop, and secure external funding through competitive grant proposals and other sponsored research opportunities.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 1, 2026\. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $110,484 - $154,680, which fits into the full salary of $82,860 - $198,888 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

• 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: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information ).

• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available 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.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, .