Bioreactor Instrumentation and Systems Integration Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Cellular BioAnalytics (CBA) Group!

In this exciting role, you will develop quantitative measurements and analytical frameworks for inferring cellular state, building predictive models, and supporting decision-making in living systems. You will conduct independent research integrating real-time cellular sensors and bioanalytical instrumentation in bioreactors with AI/ML-based analytical methods to model cellular physiology and generate actionable insights for bioprocess control. Using a model cell line, biological product, and bioprocess, you will demonstrate improved decision-making in biomanufacturing workflows and contribute to the development of self-driving bioreactors. The position involves close collaboration with bioprocess engineers, computational scientists, and external partners to design, integrate, and validate hardware–software systems.

This is a hands-on in-person role with an emphasis on training and career development, focusing on original research, publication, and professional growth within the analytical and biomanufacturing laboratories of the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU). Occasional travel to collaborate with external partners may be required as the project evolves.

This position has an anticipated start date of June 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 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)

What You Will Do:

• Provide project leadership by constructively challenging the status quo, generating scientific insights, and persistently driving progress toward research objectives.
• Develop, refine, and execute research to develop a cellular analytical platform, demonstrating its ability to generate actionable intelligence for bioprocess development, including:
  • Perform cell culture and bioreactor operations to model and simulate cellular system environments.
  • Conduct bioanalytical assays and operate advanced instrumentation to generate cellular measurement data, such as well-plate biochemical assays, Seahorse metabolic and bioenergetics assays, flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing (transcriptomics and genomics), mass spectrometry, and microscopy.
  • Implement and/or coordinate collaboration with AI/ML experts to infer cellular state and derive actionable insights for controlling cellular behavior.
• Stay current with the scientific literature and emerging developments in methods, technologies, and applications relevant to cellular systems and bioprocess analytics.
• Contribute to strategies to buy, build, or partner to acquire the resources necessary to accomplish project goals.
• Maintain well organized, thorough, and accurate laboratory documentation.  
• Provide regular written and oral progress updates and facilitate technical discussions within the team.
• Prepare and present research findings at conferences and in meetings with collaborators across industry, academia, and national laboratories.
• Ensure safety and compliance by strictly adhering to LBNL safety protocols, participating in occasional on-call duties as needed, and upholding all Laboratory, Division, and Program policies.

What is Required:

• A recent PhD (within the last 1-3 years) in Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, or a related engineering/scientific field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation Engineering) with emphasis on analytical instrumentation and biological systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research at the intersection of hardware and biology, including:
  • Hands-on experience designing and integrating Process Analytical Technology (PAT) such as wiring/piping sensors to bioreactors, data acquisition (DAQ) integration, and implementing digital control loops).
  • Direct experience with bacterial, fungal, and/or mammalian cell culture, including aseptic techniques and an understanding of cellular physiology.
  • Mastery of bioprocess fundamentals, including cellular metabolism, bioreactor kinetics, mass transfer, and metabolic flux analysis.
• Proven ability to analyze complex datasets using statistical methods, with strong familiarity integrating AI/ML or Large Language Model (LLM)-based workflows into analytical pipelines.
• Deep familiarity with biochemical analytical assays, instrumentation, and unit operations relevant to bioproduct manufacturing.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including experience conducting independent research while effectively collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, meticulous experimental record-keeping, and a commitment to ethical conduct and professional collaboration.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to understand complex biological challenges in biomanufacturing, with a demonstrated track record of applying advanced instrumentation and systems integration to address them.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing interest in this position by March 1, 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), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
• Salary Information: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and has a salary range of $5,929 - $7,108 monthly / $71,148 - $85,296 annually and is expected to start at $5,929 monthly / $71,148 annually or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background Check: This position may be 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 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).

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.