Research Associate Principal

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has multiple openings for a Principal Research Associate in Berkeley, CA.

Duties: Under general supervision, the Principal Research Associate (PRA) will work at the Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) Division to provide research and production support for metabolomics-based studies within a high-throughput sample environment in support of DOE mission areas in clean energy generation, climate, and environmental sciences. This position will perform research assignments that require demonstrated analytical chemistry and biochemistry knowledge and skills. The PRA will be responsible for understanding the latest mass spectrometry technologies, supporting new technology development, creatively solving analytical challenges, implementing and developing new protocols for the JGI Metabolomics Platform, performing compound annotation and data analysis, and contribute to enhancing workflows, infrastructure, and new product development for JGI users. The PRA will independently troubleshoot process failures and participate in optimization of protocols with emphasis placed on meeting metabolomics production metrics goals. The PRA will also be responsible for designing and conducting experiments aimed at improving quality, troubleshooting failures, and reducing laboratory processing costs, as well as contribute to and provide guidance on optimization, development, and implementation projects for the advancement and scale-up of all aspects of metabolomics workflows ranging from sample processing to data analysis, as well as onboarding new metabolomics instrumentation. The PRA will provide guidance and training to group members, contribute to JGI related publications and take an active role in projects supporting user science goals. Independently perform and expertly troubleshoot all aspects of LC-MS workflows, robotic automation systems and sample extractions, ranging from sample processing, instrumentation (instrument set-up, usage and maintenance), QC checks, data analysis, software, and communicating effectively with service engineers. Perform standard and custom mass spectrometry data analysis, including annotation of standards and experimental sample sets, using custom Python workflows (run, modify, and interpret/read) and standard metabolomics software (e.g. mzmine, GNPS, etc.); develop custom analysis procedures as needed; help develop metabolomics infrastructure, update and maintain analytical standards database and experimental metadata and others tasks as needed. Onboard new metabolomics instrumentation and software; investigate, learn and develop new metabolomics capabilities and apply to projects, as well as regular maintenance procedures. Collaboratively work with other JGI groups on R&D projects benefiting JGI overall, users and science programs. Design and perform experiments, summarize results, interpret and provide conclusions on R&D and other projects. Lead and participate in continuous improvement, optimization, development, and implementation projects for strengthening metabolomics platform operations and services (e.g. develop new ISTD mixes, new methods). Develop deep understanding and expertise in mass spectrometry, instrumentation, stable isotope labeling experiments and preliminary data analysis, including theory and applications; keep updated in latest innovations and analytical techniques. Perform metabolomics sample extractions efficiently in a high-throughput environment, independently modifying procedures as needed to overcome sample-specific extraction challenges. Follow Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) guidelines to ensure the safety of one's self and others in the lab and office spaces. 

Benefits: This full salary range of this position is between $87,276 to $128,532 per year depending upon candidates’ full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience. 

Requirements:

Master’s Degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, engineering science, or a related field and 2 years of experience in the job offered or related technical occupation. 

• Running and troubleshooting mass spectrometry instrumentation. 
• Software packages using custom workflows and Excel to analyze mass spectrometry datasets. 
• Extracting samples for mass spectrometry analysis. 
• Mass spectrometry technology and spectra.
• Documenting research results in a detailed lab notebook. 
• Teaching others mass spectrometry workflows and procedures. 
• General lab responsibilities including method development in mass spectrometry. workflows, custom extraction protocols and experimental design. 
• Performing / designing metabolomics or similar experiments.
• Data analysis workflows.
• Metabolomics instrumentation, including mass spectrometers, UHPLCs, and liquid handlers or other automated robotic instrumentation. This position is eligible for LBNL’s

Employee Referral Program benefit(s). 

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov 

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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.