Berkeley Lab · 11 hours ago
Bioinformaticist Research Scientist (Joint Genome Institute)
Bay Area, California, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$83K/yr - $133K/yr
5+ years expBerkeley Lab’s Joint Genome Institute has an opening for a Bioinformaticist Research Scientist to join the Microbiome Data Science Group. In this role, you will develop research efforts in microbiome data science, perform advanced analyses, and create new computational genomics tools to support JGI users, particularly focusing on metagenomics and viral genomics.
Research
Responsibilities
Work as part of a team to develop computational workflows for the identification and characterization of mobile genetic elements
Perform large scale analysis of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including building detection models, developing methods for grouping and classification, analyzing metagenomics sequences, and performing comparative genome analyses
Develop computational tools in the context of the Integrated Microbial Genome (IMG) data management and analysis system
Work in close collaboration with JGI’s microbial genome and metagenome program scientists
Perform custom analysis of viral genomes from metagenomics and metatranscriptomics data
Produce detailed reports and data packages with comprehensive documentation
Develop a collaborative research effort that supports the Department of Energy (DOE)’s and the Office of Biological & Environmental Research (BER)’s mission
Conduct research and development activities in the areas of microbiome data analysis in support of the DOE’s and the BER’s mission
Co-lead, and collaborate on the development of new methods and capabilities in metagenomics to become available to JGI users
Co-lead, and collaborate on the development and implementation of computational methods for the identification of virus and plasmid genomes from metagenomics and metatranscriptomic data
Perform large scale analysis of plasmid sequence data: build models for the detection of plasmids, develop methods to group and classify plasmid sequences, analyze metagenomics sequences, and perform comparative genome analyses
Develop collaborative interactions with other JGI scientists and work with the JGI’s user community to complete high-impact projects and publish results in a timely fashion
Troubleshoot all stages of the computational process and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Summarize research results and publish in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific research papers and reports
Lead, mentor, and train graduate students, technical support staff, and other group members as necessary
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in methods and tools for next-generation sequencing, metagenome assembly and binning or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience in large-scale analysis of microbial genomes and metagenomes with a proven track record in this area reflected in recent or pending publications
Significant experience in viral genomics and host-viral interaction
Demonstrated experience with scripting languages (such as Perl or Python), as well as knowledge of R, relational databases, and Unix tools
Substantial knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics tools for sequence similarity search, multiple sequence alignment, profile search, clustering, and phylogenetic analysis
Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions
Demonstrated record of publication and a successful record of grant writing
Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience promoting and presenting scientific projects to a variety of audiences
Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a variety of scientific, operations, and technical teams
Preferred
A Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, or a related field
Experience working as a Postdoctoral Fellow in a national lab environment
General experience in synthetic biology
Benefits
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
Company
Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab is a national laboratory that creates advanced new tools for scientific discovery.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Berkeley Lab has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (154)
2024 (159)
2023 (163)
2022 (154)
2021 (165)
2020 (107)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Mary Barnum, MBA
Business Manager, COO Office
Rebecca Rishell
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
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