Plant Transformation Scientist
Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Plant Transformation Scientist!
In this exciting role, you will serve in multiple roles supporting the potential future of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Plant Transformation Capability (PTC). First, you will conduct R&D in plant transformation, including the development of novel virus-mediated delivery methods that could reduce genotype specificity, a major topic of interest for the PTC. Second, you will serve as the technical point of contact, providing oversight and biological materials to support a plant transformation automation emerging technologies opportunity program (ETOP) that has just been released for competition. Third, you will provide technical analyses to DOE leadership as part of the Analysis of Alternatives required to advance the PTC to CD-1, including evaluations of the state of the art, potential partners, and operational models. Finally, you will explore potential collaboration with the Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory (APPL) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and develop a relevant pilot project if appropriate.
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 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)
● Pet insurance
What You Will Do:
● Conduct research focused on advancing plant transformation technology.
● Serve as the point of contact for the ETOP awardee, providing project oversight, monitoring progress, and offering technical guidance on plant transformation.
● Review and synthesize existing literature on plant transformation technologies, evaluate potential PTC partners, and prepare written reports for DOE management to support the Analysis of Alternatives required to advance the PTC to CD-1.
● Collaborate with a multi-institutional project team to ensure effective communication and timely completion of analysis projects.
● Summarize research findings and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
● Contribute to scientific research papers and technical reports.
● Provide professional development and support to a research team, including direct daily work, manage projects, and provide performance feedback and set clear expectations.
What is Required:
● A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Plant Science or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of relevant research experience in designing and constructing DNA constructs for plant transformation, including constructs for gene editing, overexpression, and reporter constructs or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
● Experience with grass transformation.
● A strong background in molecular biology and plant biology research.
● Experience supervising teams, including recruiting/hiring, delegating tasks, and managing team performance.
● Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
● Demonstrated oral and written communication skills including experience documenting and summarizing research results for reports, presentations, and publications, with a proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
● Excellent interpersonal communication skills including experience conducting independent, data-driven research and collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team.
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 their interest in this position by April 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
● Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 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 S05.1. 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).
● Relocation Assistance: 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 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.