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 :

What is Required :

Desired Qualifications :

Additional Information :

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.