Bioenergy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Staff Software Developer to join the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI)!

JBEI is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Research Center dedicated to developing advanced biofuels-liquid fuels derived from the solar energy stored in plant biomass that can replace gasoline, diesel and jet fuels.

In this exciting role, you will develop advanced software, AI-driven workflows, and web applications that support analysis and optimization of bioenergy and bioproduct systems. You will have the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary research teams, focus on building algorithms, user interfaces, and scalable tools for biorefinery siting, crop yield prediction, and assessment of costs and environmental impacts. You will integrate AI, data management, and analytics on LBNL computing infrastructure while applying statistical and machine learning methods to bioprocess models, mentoring a small team of researchers, collaborating with scientists to translate research needs into software solutions, and improving existing codebases through high-quality, maintainable software engineering practices.

This position has an anticipated start date of August 1, 2026.

We're 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 benefits.
• Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays.
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate with researchers in JBEI's Lifecycle, Economics and Agronomy Division (LEAD) to develop, maintain, and enhance web applications for geospatial analysis, technoeconomic analysis, lifecycle assessment, and AI-enabled bioenergy modeling.
• Lead and mentor a small team developing web-based modeling and AI tools.
• Maintain secure, reliable, and high-performing servers, databases, and web applications through regular updates, debugging, and feature enhancements.
• Partner with scientific, academic, and industry users to improve application functionality, usability, and research impact.
• Implement user analytics and reporting systems to monitor application usage and engagement.
• Apply software engineering best practices, including code reviews, version control, testing, issue tracking, and iterative development.
• Develop computational, statistical, and machine learning methods to model and evaluate bioenergy and bioproduct production systems.
• Release datasets to public repositories, present project progress, deliver milestones on schedule, and foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Engineering or related field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience programming in Python and R for the management of large environmental datasets or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated success designing, implementing, and supporting moderately complex systems and software related to energy/environmental systems.
• Experience with JavaScript, HTML and CSS for developing frontend user interfaces for web applications.
• Experience with agentic AI applications, a variety of statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques.
• Experience using remote servers, and willingness to learn skills necessary for submitting batch jobs using supercomputing resources.
• Experience using parallel programming techniques to improve and optimize computational efficiency.
• Experience with containerization tools such as Docker and one or more of the following databases: PostgreSQL, SQLite, MongoDB.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including experience identifying issues, problem solving, independently making sound judgments, and recommending creative solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience organizing and presenting complex technical information and collaborating with stakeholders in a complex interdisciplinary environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Engineering or related field.
• Experience with frontend web frameworks such as React, Vue or AngularJS for dynamic and scalable user interfaces.
• Experience with backend Python web application frameworks such as Flask or Django.
• Familiarity with Python libraries for machine learning such as TPOT, Tensorflow or Keras.
• Familiarity using custom Python or R code for processing of raw data, especially in geospatial formats.
• Familiarity with relational database concepts and SQL.
• Familiarity with web REST APIs.
• Strong level of command line comfort in a Unix-like environment.
• Strong working knowledge of agricultural and environmental concepts, data types, data analysis methods, and their representation in software systems.
• Solid understanding of data structures and algorithms.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter by July 22, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary Range: This position has a budgeted salary range of $139,440 - $174,312 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $139,440 - $235,308 annually for job code C71.3. 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 is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. 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).
• Relocation Assistance: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Berkeley Lab does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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 final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.