Bioinformaticist Research Scientist (Joint Genome Institute)

Berkeley Labs (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Bioinformaticist Research Scientist to join the Microbiome Data Science Group!

In this exciting role you will be responsible for the development of research efforts in microbiome data science including microbial genomics metagenomics metatranscriptomics and viral genomics. You will perform advanced analyses and develop new computational genomics tools to support JGI users with a strong emphasis on the development of automated workflows to identify and analyze novel mobile genetic elements from metagenomes and metatranscriptomic data. You will perform research and development activities such as benchmarking and troubleshooting publicly available tools as well as the development of new quality metrics and standardized computational approaches.

Reporting to the Head of Microbiome Data Science you will be involved in co-leading JGIs strategic research and development projects aimed at creating new capabilities and resources that benefit JGI users. You will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate closely with JGI users on projects related to the development of new methods for the analysis of metagenomics and viral genomics. You will design conduct present and publish research on relevant scientific topics in addition to working with very large datasets to establish and apply new technologies in (meta) genomics. You will develop and apply new computational analysis methods and strategies for big data mining and discoveries from metagenomics data.

The JGIs 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 worlds 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 Labs main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

This position has an anticipated start date of February 16 2026.

Were 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 youll 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:

• 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 JGIs 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 DOEs and the BERs 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 JGIs 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.

What is Required:

• A Bachelors 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter by Thursday January 29 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid) 2 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 $82860 - $132588 annually which fits within the full salary range of $82860 - $198888 annually for job code S04.1. 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 candidates 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).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab Please visit:

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 Labs mission of leading scientific discovery excellence and 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.

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.