Computational Biologist Research Scientist (Quantitative Modeling Group)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Generous paid time off

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) seeks a Computational Biologist Research Scientist to join the Quantitative Modeling Group in the Biological Systems and Engineering Division. The role focuses on integrating AI, robotics, and synthetic biology to advance biomanufacturing and scientific discovery, with an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026.

The position emphasizes building predictive models, data integration of omics, and developing robotic workflows, while securing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline and at least 3 years applying AI to guide biological experiments
• Significant experience with Python or other major programming languages
• Experience with deep learning techniques
• Experience with lab automation and automated experimental workflows
• Experience with experimental bench work
• Strong mathematical background for quantitative analyses
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines
• Demonstrated teamwork in interdisciplinary settings

Responsibilities

• Apply AI and data-mining approaches to guide and advance biomanufacturing.
• Develop quantitatively predictive models of cell metabolism.
• Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data into predictive models of biological systems.
• Develop AI agents to analyze complex data and suggest future research directions.
• Design and leverage data management systems for organizing biological data.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to guide and propose experiments.
• Develop, integrate, and utilize robotic systems to automate scientific workflows.
• Prepare results for publication and presentations at venues.
• Assist with grant proposals and funding applications.

Skills

Python

Deep learning

Data mining

Analytical skills

Education

Ph.D. in Systems Biology / Bioengineering / Computational Biology

Tools

Lab automation

Robotics platforms

Job description

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Computational Biologist Research Scientist to join the Quantitative Modeling Group led by Hector Garcia Martin!

In this exciting role, you will work towards making biology predictable by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and synthetic biology. Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), you will leverage current and future funding to build and leverage tools and infrastructure that advance biomanufacturing through machine learning and automation. You will be expected to secure independent funding and develop a vigorous research program focused on the application of AI to advance scientific discovery and innovation.

This position has an anticipated start date of December 1, 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 benefits.
• Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays.
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!

What You Will Do

• Apply artificial intelligence and data-mining approaches to guide and advance biomanufacturing.
• Develop quantitatively predictive models of cell metabolism.
• Integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data into quantitative predictive models of biological systems.
• Develop and orchestrate AI agents to analyze complex scientific data and recommend future research directions and experimental approaches.
• Design and leverage data management systems to effectively organize, represent, and utilize biological data.
• Collaborate continuously with experimentalists to guide and propose new experimental work, and use available data to its full potential.
• Develop, integrate, and utilize robotic systems to automate scientific workflows and advance the development of self-driving labs.
• Prepare research results for publication in scientific journals and presentation at scientific conferences, seminars, and internal meetings.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of grant proposals and other funding applications.
• May be responsible for their team's success and professional development. This may involve recruiting talent with the right skills for their projects, directing daily work, and managing performance through feedback and clear expectations. Supervisors have the authority to take necessary actions, including performance management, to maintain the research group’s integrity and productivity.

What is Required

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience applying artificial intelligence to guide and inform biological experiments or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant experience with Python or other major programming languages.
• Experience with deep learning techniques.
• Experience with lab automation and automated experimental workflows.
• Experience with experimental bench work.
• A strong mathematical background including the ability to apply quantitative approaches to complex scientific problems.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to conduct collaborative research in an interdisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise staff, including assigning work, providing coaching and performance feedback, and supporting employee development.

Additional Information

• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 3 year (benefits eligible),career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of 5 years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary Information: This position has a budgeted range of $110,484 - $132,588 annually for job code S06.1. 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 (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
• 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 performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

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, click here.