Biological Systems Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Computational Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Quantitative Modeling Group led by Hector Garcia Martin!

In this exciting role, you will leverage Artificial Intelligence, data science, mechanistic models, robotics, and synthetic biology to enable quantitative predictions of biological systems and support the development of self-driving laboratories. You will contribute to the design of cells and other biological systems to a specification, with the final goal of enabling the full potential of biomanufacturing to create enhanced-performance products, diminish supply chain disruptions, produce environmental benefits, address national security needs, and create new jobs and industries.

You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively to integrate microbial phenotypic data (e.g., fluxomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) into quantitative computational models capable of predicting and explaining the outcomes of bioengineering interventions. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of bench scientists, automation engineers, and software engineers in devising methods for high-throughput data collection and analysis for feedback into experimental design.  This work will support initiatives within the Agile BioFoundry, the Joint BioEnergy Institute, and/or other programs.

This position has an anticipated start date of September 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:

• Integrate and analyze complex biological datasets. 
• Develop quantitatively predictive models of biological systems.
• Integrate multi-omics data into quantitative computational models.
• Apply Monte Carlo sampling approaches to quantify uncertainty.
• Utilize machine-learning and data-mining approaches to recommend bioengineering interventions.
• Develop new machine-learning algorithms. 
• Integrate machine learning techniques with mechanistic modeling approaches.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain code and algorithms supporting predictive models.
• Combine computational algorithms with laboratory automation to enable self-driving laboratories and automate the scientific process. 
• Collaborate closely with experimental and automation scientists to guide experimental design and maximize the value of available data to its full potential.
• Partner with software engineers to develop and maintain code following best practices. 
• Troubleshoot technical and research problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines. 
• Prepare research results for publication and present results at scientific conferences, seminars, and internal meetings.

• Contribute to the preparation and development of grant proposals and related supporting materials.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience programming in Python or other major programming languages.
• Proven experience working in Linux environments, including file systems, shell scripting, and hardware/software monitoring.
• Strong mathematical background as evidenced by relevant coursework and/or work experience.
• Strong organizational skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate records of results and analyzed data.
• Excellent verbal and presentation skills including experience preparing research reports, manuscripts, and scientific publications for group meetings, conferences, and scientific journals. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills including experience conducting independent, data-driven research and collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience conducting experimental laboratory work. 
• Experience with metabolic flux analysis.
• Knowledge of microbiology and microbial metabolism.
• Strong interest in biology and metabolism.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing their interest in this position by July 31, 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), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• Salary Range: The salary range for this position is $7,987 - $8,921 monthly / $95,844 - $107,052 annually and is expected to start at $7,987 monthly / $95,844 annually or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• 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 the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. 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 eligible for relocation assistance.
• Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, any hiring decision may depend in part on Berkeley Lab's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorizations as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ("green card holder"), asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

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 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.