Postdoctoral Fellow (Fungal and Algal Program)

Berkeley Lab's LBNL Joint Genome Institute JGI has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on multi-institutional collaborative projects within the Fungal and Algal Program.

In this exciting role, you will focus on the annotation and analysis of genomes from protists and other microbial eukaryotes. This work integrates multi-omics data and involves benchmarking and developing methods to improve genome annotation. This role centers on applying and extending computational approaches to study genomes and multi-omics datasets, with an emphasis on understanding biological processes relevant to bioenergy and biotechnology. You will collect and curate data to optimize genome-specific annotation pipelines, assess the quality of input data, and integrate datasets into the JGI platforms such as MycoCosm and PhycoCosm. You will configure, execute, and troubleshoot customized annotation workflows, as well as analyze predicted genes and annotations.

This position involves leveraging and advancing existing computational tools and algorithms, including emerging AI/ML based approaches, for genome annotation, comparative genomics, and multi-omics analyses, with particular attention to the challenges of complex eukaryotic systems. You will analyze large-scale datasets to generate biological insights, develop benchmark frameworks, and communicate findings through publications and presentations.

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.

What You Will Do:

• Annotate and analyze genomes of protists and other microbial eukaryotes using JGI workflows and other tools.
• Customize, execute, and troubleshoot genome annotation tools.
• Evaluate input data quality and assess accuracy of gene predictions.
• Integrate genomics and multi-omics datasets using bioinformatics and computational approaches.
• Analyze and interpret research datasets, drawing meaningful conclusions using appropriate statistical methods and scientific reasoning.
• Develop and optimize computational pipelines, scripts, and workflows using Python and MySQL databases in HPC environments for large-scale data analysis.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support data-driven biological discovery.
• Publish scientific papers, release datasets to public repositories, and present findings at seminars and conferences.
• Modify gene prediction and filtering algorithms to accommodate changes in assembly quality, multi-omics data, and organism-specific needs.
• Conduct comparative and functional analyses to model biological processes, gene networks, and metabolic pathways.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and supporting materials.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A strong background in bioinformatics, genomics, molecular biology, and data analysis.
• Expertise in applying computational methods and tools to biological research problems.
• Experience with eukaryotic gene prediction and annotation, genome organization, comparative genomics, and multi-omics analysis.
• Familiarity with major biological databases (e.g., UniProt, InterPro, NCBI), including the ability to interpret complex biological datasets using statistical and computational approaches.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python), database management (e.g., MySQL), and high-performance computing environments.
• 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 working with protists and other microbial eukaryotic genomes.
• Experience developing and benchmarking computational methods or models.
• Strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

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 May 18, 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).