Principal Scientific Engineering Associate

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

In this exciting role, you will support a broad range of research initiatives spanning catalysis, analytical chemistry, and bioprocessing. Working in collaboration with industrial and laboratory partners to lead design and execution of complex research programs, your efforts include bench- and pilot-scale catalysis, fermentation, recovery and purification unit operations, and associated analytical chemistry. You will provide leadership and line management to a team of Research Associates, Postdoctoral Researchers, and/or Technical Staff, driving the successful execution of complex research and industry projects.

This position has an anticipated start date of May 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
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program 
• 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:

• Serve as a Group Leader and Line Manager for a research team consisting of Research Associates, Postdoctoral Researchers, and/or Technical Staff, focused on execution of complex research and industry projects.
• Oversee execution of multiple ongoing research collaborations, including both bench- and pilot-scale experimentation.
• Oversee execution of associated analytical chemistry tasks, including gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), off-gas analysis, microscopy and photometric analysis.
• Oversee and perform data analysis, including preparation of presentations to synthesize data and disseminate findings and technical recommendations to collaborators and the larger ABPDU team.
• Serve as a primary point of contact to ensure smooth and timely technology transfer with industrial and national laboratory collaborators.
• Perform scheduling and project management tasks in collaboration with ABPDU principal investigators (PIs) to ensure research projects are executed in a time and cost-effective manner.
• Contribute to project development efforts at ABPDU, including client outreach, project scoping and budgeting, scope of work (SOW) development, technical due diligence, and conference attendance.
• Maintain exemplary ethical conduct of integrity, honesty, and mutual respect, both intellectually and in interpersonal workplace interactions.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist with general lab operation activities such as clean up, waste disposal, purchasing, etc.
• Contribute to laboratory organization and maintenance of a strong safety culture at the ABPDU
• Contribute to a strong culture of team science and at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL).

• Lead, Co-Lead, and support the preparation and submission of research grant proposals.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related area and a minimum of 6 years of experience in the bioprocessing related fields, including experience working with a variety of bioproducts, feedstocks, bioprocess unit operations, and microbial strains or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience executing bench- and pilot-scale equipment for catalysis, fermentation, and downstream processing.
• Experience executing successful technology transfer and scale-up for biochemical and chemical processes.
• Experience managing a team with multiple direct reports, including oversight of scheduling, budgeting, and project management activities.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques required for biomanufacturing research and development, including off gas analysis, photometric analysis, GC, HPLC, and advanced microscopy.
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to identify problems, troubleshoot, and demonstrate good judgement in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience organizing and presenting technical information to varying audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team in a multi-disciplinary scientific or production environment.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• An Advanced Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related area.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position by Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary Information: This position has a budgeted salary range of $122,628 - $153,264 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $122,628 - $206,940 for job code N50.3. 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 the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. 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.

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.