Scientific Engineering Associate (ABPDU)
Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Scientific Engineering Associate (ABPDU) to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU)!
In this exciting role, you will support projects related to efficient conversion of gaseous and electrochemical feedstocks into value-added bioproducts. You will perform research activities including project management, experimental design, execution of batch and continuous bioconversion experiments, metabolic characterization of non-canonical bacterial strains, and execution of associated analytical methods.
This position has an anticipated start date of May 1, 2026.
Note: This position is open to internal Berkeley Lab employees only. If you are a current Berkeley Lab employee experiencing technical difficulties submitting your application, please contact talent-acquisition@lbl.gov.
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
● 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:
● Plan and execute bioelectrochemical and gas fermentation experiments at bench scale, including preparing media, batching bioreactors, calibrating equipment, and operating real time sampling and in-line and off-line analytical equipment including HPLC, offgas MS, etc.
● Characterize non-canonical microbial strains, including development of cultivation protocols, assessment of media toxicity thresholds, and evaluation of metabolic flexibility.
● Perform electrochemistry experiments, including development and operation of potentiostat reactors and optimization of electrode composition and electrode geometry.
● Execute associated analytical chemistry tasks, including GC, HPLC, gas analysis, and photometric analysis.
● Perform data analysis and prepare presentations to report findings to collaborators and the larger ABPDU team.
● Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
● Maintain exemplary ethical conduct of integrity, honesty, and mutual respect, both intellectually and in interpersonal workplace interactions.
● Contribute to laboratory organization and maintenance of a strong safety culture at the ABPDU.
What is Required:
● A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related areas and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in bioelectrochemistry and/or gas fermentation, including experience working with a variety of substrates, microorganisms, and bioreactor configurations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
● Experience handling, maintaining, and growing a variety of microorganisms during bioconversion and recovery/analysis of their products.
● Experience with basic electrochemical unit operations, including cyclic voltammetry, operation of potentiostats, and operation of bioelectrochemical cells.
● Knowledge of analytical techniques required for biomanufacturing research and development, including offgas analysis, photometric analysis, GC, and HPLC.
● 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 Monday, April 20, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
● Appointment Type: This is a full-time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 2 year (benefits eligible), 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 Range: This position has a budgeted salary range of $84,552 - $105,720 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $84,552 - $142,716 annually, for job code N50.1. 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 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.