Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Bioinformatics Research Scientist to their Microbiome Data Science group!
In this exciting role, you will be responsible for the development of research efforts including microbial genomics, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and viral genomics. Computational work will include performing analyses and developing new genomics tools, with a strong emphasis on the development of automated workflows to identify and analyze novel mobile genetic elements from metagenomes and metatranscriptomes. Research & Development activities include benchmarking and troubleshooting publicly available tools, as well as the development of new quality metrics and standardized computational approaches including designing, conducting, presenting, and publishing research on relevant scientific topics.
This role will work with very large datasets in an interdisciplinary scientific group, applying new technologies in (meta) genomics, and will lead and co-lead strategic research and development projects to develop and demonstrate new approaches with the goal to create capabilities and resources to benefit JGI Users. You will support and collaborate with JGI Users on projects related to the development of new methods for the analysis of metagenomics and viral genomics. You will develop and apply new computational analysis methods and strategies for big data mining and discoveries from metagenomics data.
What You Will Do:
Develop computational workflows for the identification and characterization of mobile genetic elements.
Perform large scale analysis of mobile genetic elements (MGEs): build models for detection of MGEs, develop methods to group and classify MGEs, analyze metagenomics sequences, and perform 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.
Lead research and development activities in the areas of microbiome data analysis in support of the Department of Energy's and the Office of Biological & Environmental Research's mission.
Lead, co-lead, and collaborate on the development of new methods and capabilities in metagenomics.
Lead, 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.
Interface with other scientists, staff, management, and sponsors at other national laboratories.
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 minimum of 5 years of relevant experience beyond the highest customary degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, or related field.
Significant experience in methods and tools for next-generation sequencing, metagenome assembly and binning.
Demonstrated experience in large-scale analysis of microbial genomes and metagenomes.
Strong understanding of bioinformatics tools for sequence similarity search, multiple sequence alignment, profile search, clustering, and phylogenetic analysis.
Strong experience in viral genomics and host-viral interaction.
Strong experience in a scripting language (Perl, Python) is a must, knowledge of Unix tools, relational databases, and R.
Excellent analytical skills including experience with problem solving, decision making, troubleshooting experimental processes, and providing analysis.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills with experience establishing effective collaborations and interacting with members of the scientific, instrumentation, and informatics communities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills including demonstrated experience preparing funding proposals and research publications.
Notes:
For full consideration, please apply with a resume by February 7, 2023.
This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
This position has a targeted salary range of $96,336 - $154,128 per year for job code S04.2. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
This position may be 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 will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
Learn about Us:
Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.
Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.
The JGI's mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOE"s research mission to solve the world's evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms.
Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.
Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.
In the world of science, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is synonymous with excellence. Thirteen scientists associated with Berkeley Lab have won the Nobel Prize. Fifty-seven Lab scientists are members of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), one of the highest honors for a scientist in the United States. Thirteen of our scientists have won the National Medal of Science, our nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in fields of scientific research. Eighteen of our engineers have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and three of our scientists have been elected into the Institute of Medicine. In addition, Berkeley Lab has trained thousands of university science and engineering students who are advancing technological innovations across the nation and around the world. Berkeley Lab is a member of the national laboratory system supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Office of Science. It is managed by the University of California (UC) and is charged with conducting unclassified research across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Located on a 200-acre site in the hills above the UC Berkeley campus that offers spectacular... views of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley Lab employs approximately 4,200 scientists, engineers, support staff and students. Its budget for 2011 is $735 million, with an additional $101 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for a total of $836 million. A recent study estimates the Laboratory's overall economic impact through direct, indirect and induced spending on the nine counties that make up the San Francisco Bay Area to be nearly $700 million annually. The Lab was also responsible for creating 5,600 jobs locally and 12,000 nationally. The overall economic impact on the national economy is estimated at $1.6 billion a year. Technologies developed at Berkeley Lab have generated billions of dollars in revenues, and thousands of jobs. Savings as a result of Berkeley Lab developments in lighting and windows, and other energy-efficient technologies, have also been in the billions of dollars. Berkeley Lab was founded in 1931 by Ernest Orlando Lawrence, a UC Berkeley physicist who won the 1939 Nobel Prize in physics for his invention of the cyclotron, a circular particle accelerator that opened the door to high-energy physics. It was Lawrence's belief that scientific research is best done through teams of individuals with different fields of expertise, working together. His teamwork concept is a Berkeley Lab legacy that continues today.
