Functional Genomics Postdoctoral Fellow (Joint Genome Institute)

Berkeley Lab's LBNL Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to apply integrated experimental and computational approaches to investigate the fundamental rules governing gene regulation in plants and microbes.

In this exciting role, you will drive the development of high-throughput biochemical and functional genomics assays, leveraging automation, miniaturization, and advanced sequencing technologies to generate large-scale datasets. In parallel, you will develop and apply computational pipelines that integrate sequence analysis, structural modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools to enable predictive modeling of biological systems. You will have the opportunity to contribute to JGI's strategic initiatives in AI-powered functional genomics, working within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment to translate innovative methods into scalable, production-ready workflows.

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 DOEs 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. This position is headquartered on the Lab's main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

This position has an anticipated start date of June 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:

• Design, develop, and optimize high-throughput biochemical and genomic assays to interrogate gene regulation in plants and microbes.
• Investigate how variation in protein sequence and structure influences binding to DNA and ligands using experimental and computational approaches.
• Develop and implement multiplexed functional genomics methods, including adaptation of single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq technologies across diverse organisms.
• Generate large-scale datasets using automated liquid handling systems, assay miniaturization, and advanced sequencing platforms.
• Build custom computational pipelines for data processing, integration, and analysis, incorporating sequence analysis, structural modeling, and AI-based predictive tools.
• Collaborate with computational biologists and software engineers to develop robust, scalable data analysis and predictive classification workflows for high-performance computing environments.
• Contribute to JGI strategic milestones related to AI-driven functional genomics and the generation of empirical datasets for genomic and protein language models.
• Document experimental methods, computational workflows, and results to ensure reproducibility and knowledge sharing.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications and present findings at internal meetings, scientific conferences, and seminars.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff to translate research innovations into standardized, automation-compatible user products.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Computational Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in both experimental (wet lab) and computational research methodologies.
• Proficiency in executing molecular biology or biochemical protocols and analyzing high-throughput datasets.
• Experience with scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, R, or similar) for data analysis and pipeline development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or significantly contribute to research projects, with a record of recent or pending peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong organizational skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate records of results and analyzed data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience presenting at group meetings and conferences, and publishing research findings.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills including experience conducting independent, data-driven research and collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, or in vitro biochemical characterization.
• Experience with protein structure modeling software and AI-based predictive tools, including genomic and protein language models.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and functional genomics methodologies.
• Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus transcriptomics, transcription factor binding assays, or designing massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs).
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling platforms and microfluidic systems.

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 April 26, 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 $5,929 - $7,108 monthly / $71,148 - $85,296 annually and is expected to start at $5,929 monthly / $71,148 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 is eligible for a hybrid work schedule - a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab located at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.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).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov