Bioinformaticist Research Scientist (Joint Genome Institute)

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Bioinformaticist Research Scientist to join the Microbiome Data Science Group! 

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for the development of research efforts in microbiome data science, including microbial genomics, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and viral genomics. You will perform advanced analyses and develop new computational genomics tools to support JGI users, with a strong emphasis on the development of automated workflows to identify and analyze novel mobile genetic elements from metagenomes and metatranscriptomic data. You will perform research and development activities such as benchmarking and troubleshooting publicly available tools, as well as the development of new quality metrics and standardized computational approaches.

Reporting to the Head of Microbiome Data Science, you will be involved in co-leading JGI’s strategic research and development projects aimed at creating new capabilities and resources that benefit JGI users. You will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate closely with JGI users on projects related to the development of new methods for the analysis of metagenomics and viral genomics. You will design, conduct, present, and publish research on relevant scientific topics in addition to working with very large datasets to establish and apply new technologies in (meta) genomics. You will develop and apply new computational analysis methods and strategies for big data mining and discoveries from metagenomics data.

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 DOEs 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 on the Lab’s main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

This position has an anticipated start date of February 16, 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:

• Work as part of a team to develop computational workflows for the identification and characterization of mobile genetic elements.
• Perform large scale analysis of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including building detection models, developing methods for grouping and classification, analyzing metagenomics sequences, and performing comparative genome analyses.
• Develop computational tools in the context of the Integrated Microbial Genome (IMG) data management and analysis system. 
• Work in close collaboration with JGI’s microbial genome and metagenome program scientists.
• Perform custom analysis of viral genomes from metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data.
• Produce detailed reports and data packages with comprehensive documentation.
• Develop a collaborative research effort that supports the Department of Energy (DOE)’s and the Office of Biological & Environmental Research (BER)’s mission.
• Conduct research and development activities in the areas of microbiome data analysis in support of the DOE’s and the BER’s mission.
• Co-lead, and collaborate on the development of new methods and capabilities in metagenomics to become available to JGI users.
• Co-lead, and collaborate on the development and implementation of computational methods for the identification of virus and plasmid genomes from metagenomics and metatranscriptomic data.
• Perform large scale analysis of plasmid sequence data: build models for the detection of plasmids, develop methods to group and classify plasmid sequences, analyze metagenomics sequences, and perform comparative genome analyses.
• Develop collaborative interactions with other JGI scientists and work with the JGI’s user community to complete high-impact projects and publish results in a timely fashion.
• Troubleshoot all stages of the computational process and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Summarize research results and publish in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific research papers and reports.
• Lead, mentor, and train graduate students, technical support staff, and other group members as necessary.  

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in methods and tools for next-generation sequencing, metagenome assembly and binning or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale analysis of microbial genomes and metagenomes with a proven track record in this area reflected in recent or pending publications.
• Significant experience in viral genomics and host-viral interaction.
• Demonstrated experience with scripting languages (such as Perl or Python), as well as knowledge of R, relational databases, and Unix tools.
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics tools for sequence similarity search, multiple sequence alignment, profile search, clustering, and phylogenetic analysis.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated record of publication and a successful record of grant writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience promoting and presenting scientific projects to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a variety of scientific, operations, and technical teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, or a related field.
• Experience working as a Postdoctoral Fellow in a national lab environment.
• General experience in synthetic biology.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter by Thursday, January 29, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Career Track 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 Information: This position has a budgeted salary range of $82,860 - $132,588 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $82,860 - $198,888 annually for job code S04.1. 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).

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.