Scientific Data Engineer (Institutional Informatics Team - Joint Genome Institute)

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Scientific Data Engineer to join the Institutional Informatics Team! In this exciting role, you will provide technical expertise supporting raw scientific data generation and compute systems that enable laboratory operations, data analysis, and project management activities. This role will implement complex scientific and operational functional specifications requirements for automated systems. You will support the implementation and continuous improvement of core systems, including laboratory workflow orchestration, genomic data generation, metadata management, status tracking, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and the Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse. You will be responsible for technical prowess, demonstrating good technical judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and working with the team to resolve a wide range of technical issues in creative ways. You will proactively identify technical and system needs, help refine implementation approaches, to deliver operationally and scientifically valuable solutions to the users. The JGI is a global leader in genome science, helping shape the future of biological discovery through advanced genomic capabilities, expert support, and large-scale, AI-ready data resources. As a Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility supported by the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, JGI advances BER’s mission to achieve a predictive understanding of complex biological, Earth, and environmental systems in support of the nation’s energy and infrastructure security. Through world-class capabilities in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, natural products, and data science, JGI supports cutting-edge research on plants, fungi, algae, microorganisms, and microbiomes. JGI is headquartered in Berkeley, CA at Berkeley Lab’s Integrative Genomics Building (IGB). This position will be hired at the Staff or Senior level and has an anticipated start date of October 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! The Staff Scientific Data Engineer will: • Translate functional specifications, system designs, into implementation, system enhancements, integrations, and the evolution of shared data platforms. • Develop, test, deploy, maintain, and support core automated systems, services, APIs, and workflows—including the Laboratory Management System (LMS), Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse, and Proposal/Project Management systems—to enable genomic data generation, metadata management, and JGI operations. • Resolve a wide range of technical issues in creative ways, integration gaps, and opportunities to optimize system architecture and operational efficiency. • Drive implementation efforts and ensure shared production systems meet high standards for reliability, scalability, interoperability, and performance. • Participate in peer technical review, documentation, and conduct continuous optimization of development workflows and service operations. In addition to the above, the Senior Scientific Data Engineer will: • Translate complex scientific, operational, and user requirements into functional specifications, system designs, and implementation plans supporting system enhancements, integrations, and the evolution of shared data platforms. • Design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and support core automated systems, services, APIs, and workflows—including the Laboratory Management System (LMS), Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse, and Proposal/Project Management systems—to enable genomic data generation, metadata management, and JGI operations. • Proactively identify and resolve complex technical issues, integration gaps, and opportunities to optimize system architecture and operational efficiency. • Establish and champion engineering best practices and provide technical guidance to team members. Required Qualifications: Staff Scientific Data Engineer: • A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of related professional work experience developing, integrating, deploying, and supporting production software applications and data systems that enable metadata management, workflow orchestration, data lifecycle operations, and broad user data access to scientific and operational data or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. • Experience working with various database and data storage technologies including relational databases, object storage platforms, and systems supporting structured, semi-structured, and large-scale datasets. • Experience with data engineering and event-driven technologies such as Airflow, Kafka, or related tools. • Experience using AI-assisted development tools, with demonstrated sound judgment in evaluating and validating generated code for production suitability. • Strong working knowledge of software and data engineering fundamentals supporting large-scale production systems, including system design, APIs, testing methodologies, concurrency, reliability, scalability, interoperability, and performance optimization. • Proficiency in Python and experience with one or more additional programming languages. • Excellent communication skills, including experience organizing and presenting complex technical information to internal teams and stakeholders. • Demonstrated experience collaborating with stakeholders to understand project goals and translate complex scientific, operational, and user requirements into automated systems, technical specifications, and implementation plans. In addition to the above, the Senior Scientific Data Engineer: • A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of related professional work experience developing, integrating, deploying, and supporting production software applications and data systems that enable metadata management, workflow orchestration, data lifecycle operations, and broad user data access to scientific and operational data or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. • Demonstrated experience provide technical leadership in shaping system architecture and technical direction across cross-functional engineering groups • Demonstrated experience providing technical guidance and mentorship to team members while promoting and championing engineering best practices, documentation, and continuous optimization of development workflows and operational processes. Desired Qualifications: • A Master’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science or a related field. • Experience working with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software. • Experience working with laboratory operations staff and supporting laboratory workflows. Additional Information: • Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter by August 27, 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), Term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. • Salary Range: The Staff Scientific Data Engineer position has a budgeted salary range of $117,132 - $146,400 annually for job code C71.2The Senior Scientific Data Engineer position has a budgeted salary range of $139,440 - $174,312 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 either level of the 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 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. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. 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. • 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.