Bioinformaticist Research Scientist (Joint Genome Institute)

About the role

The Bioinformaticist Research Scientist in the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) will join the BioMolecular Materials Group to provide bioinformatics expertise for the joint user program with the Molecular Foundry. The role includes collaborating with users on project development and awarded projects, advancing external partnerships aligned with the U.S. Department of Energy's Biological and Environmental Research (BER) mission, and developing computational approaches to support research in critical minerals and materials, programmable living materials, and quantum genomics. The scientist will also build scalable bioinformatics workflows and help advance research integrating genomics with AI/ML, materials science, and emerging national priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational methods for cross-kingdom comparative genomics, functional prediction, and co-expression analysis.
• Build community-accessible atlases integrating genomic, structural, functional, and regulatory data.
• Evaluate and integrate AI-enabled tools and agents into scalable bioinformatics workflows and the Data Lakehouse platform.
• Perform large-scale genomic data analysis, develop strategies to uncover genome-based molecular mechanisms, and publish findings in collaboration with users and partners.
• Collaborate with the BioMolecular Materials Group and external users to support research projects.
• Present research at scientific conferences, workshops, and meetings.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused research environment.
• Supporting growth of the research team by recruiting talent, directing daily work, setting performance expectations, and supporting professional growth.
• Identify, develop, and secure external funding through competitive grant proposals and other sponsored research opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant research experience in bioinformatics tools, including phylogenetics and comparative genomics beyond the highest customary degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting large-scale analysis of microbial and plant genomes and metagenomes, supported by a strong record of recent publications or manuscripts in preparation.
• Experience developing scalable computational workflows for high-throughput genomic data analysis.
• Proficiency in Python programming and experience developing scripts, tools, or pipelines to support biological data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, troubleshoot complex problems, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise staff, including assigning work, providing coaching and performance feedback, and supporting employee development.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, including experience organizing and presenting technical reports to collaborators, staff, management, and sponsors.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including experience preparing research results, publishing scientific research, delivering presentations, and preparing funding proposals.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research while working effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Commitment to maintaining a positive safety culture and demonstrated knowledge of EH&S principles and practices.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals, with experience in the preparation and handling of scientific manuscripts, reports, and research posters.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience with plant and algal functional genomics.
• Experience with metals in biology.

Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to identify, develop, and secure external funding through competitive grant proposals and other sponsored research opportunities.

Benefits

No specific benefits listed.

Pay

The expected salary for this position is $110,484 - $154,680, which fits into the full salary range of $82,860 - $198,888 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

Schedule

Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.