Senior Research Associate (Fermentation / Recovery)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Culture of belonging

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory invites applications for a Senior Research Associate in the ABPDU to support bench and pilot-scale fermentation, recovery, and purification of biofuels and bioproducts.

The role scales processes from shake flasks to 300 L and requires operating bioreactors, performing experiments per SOPs, troubleshooting, analyzing data, and communicating results to supervisors and project teams.

Qualifications

• Two+ years fermentation/bioprocessing experience.
• Hands-on with bioreactors and downstream equipment.
• Follow SOPs and batch records; document data.
• Support pilot-scale operations under supervision.
• Proficient with common computer tools.
• Troubleshoot routine lab/process equipment.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Must lift up to 50 pounds.
• Advanced degree in relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute fermentation process development and scale-up to 300 L.
• Perform bench-to-pilot fermentation and recovery operations.
• Prepare media, reagents, equipment, and batch records.
• Operate bioreactors; manage inoculation, sampling, feeding, and monitoring.
• Operate and troubleshoot bioreactors, centrifuges, filtration, and chromatography.
• Conduct recovery and purification steps including LLE and tangential flow filtration.
• Use HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry for analytics.
• Maintain records; analyze data and present results.
• Perform BSL-2 work with bacterial/mammalian cultures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across fermentation and analytics.
• Update SOPs and ensure safety and lab organization.
• Assist with general lab activities including inventory and purchasing.

Skills

Fermentation process development

Bioreactors operation

Downstream processing

SOPs and batch records

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Physical stamina

Education

Advanced degree in Chemical/Bioengineering or related

Tools

HPLC

GC

Mass spectrometry

Centrifuges

Tangential flow filtration

Chromatography equipment

Job description

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Senior Research Associate to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU)!

In this exciting role, you will support bench and pilot-scale fermentation, recovery, and purification of biofuels, biochemicals, proteins, enzymes, and materials, scaling processes from shake flasks to 300 L. You will operate bioreactors and recovery equipment, conduct experiments according to batch records and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), troubleshoot processes, analyze preliminary data, and document and communicate results to supervisors and project teams.

This position has an anticipated start date of January 4, 2027.

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!

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

• 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:

• Execute fermentation process development and scale-up activities.
• Perform hands-on fermentation and recovery operations from bench to 300 L pilot scale.
• Prepare media, reagents, equipment, and batch records.
• Operate bioreactors, manage inoculation, sampling, feeding, and process monitoring.
• Operate and troubleshoot bioreactors, centrifuges, homogenizers, filtration systems, and chromatography equipment.
• Perform recovery and purification processes, including centrifugation, liquid‑liquid extraction, tangential flow filtration, and chromatography.
• Operate analytical tools, including HPLC, GC, process mass spectrometry, and other process‑monitoring systems.
• Maintain experimental records, analyze data, identify trends, and communicate results through reports and presentations.
• Conduct assigned BSL-2 laboratory work involving bacterial and mammalian cell cultures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across fermentation, recovery, biomass deconstruction, and analytics.
• Follow and help update SOPs and batch records while maintaining equipment, laboratory organization, and safety standards.
• Assist with general laboratory activities including cleaning, waste disposal, inventory, purchasing, and laboratory organization.

What is Required:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in fermentation, bioprocessing, recovery, biochemical engineering, microbiology, or related process-development activities.
• Hands‑on experience with bioreactors and/or downstream processing equipment, including fermentation process development, recovery operations, or process scale‑up activities.
• Demonstrated ability to execute established experimental procedures and operate bench‑scale equipment, including the ability to support pilot‑scale operations under general guidance from the supervisor.
• Demonstrated ability to follow SOPs and batch records, maintain accurate experimental documentation, and organize and conduct preliminary analysis of experimental data.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard computer applications, including spreadsheets, presentation software, and shared file‑management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot routine laboratory or process equipment issues and seek additional technical guidance when needed.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, including the ability to organize and present project updates.
• Demonstrated communication skills including the ability to work with an interdisciplinary research team.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• An Advanced Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience with pilot-scale fermentation or downstream processing equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and implement new laboratory and process techniques.

Additional Information:

• Appointment Type: This is a full-time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 2 years (benefits eligible), 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.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary Range: This position has a budgeted salary range of $75,384 - $96,036 annually for job code 381.2. 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: This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608 and the West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, located at 717 Potter Street Berkeley, CA 94710. 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: 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, click here.