Research Assistant (Joint BioEnergy Institute)

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

In this exciting role, you will support the execution of the Department of Energy (DOE) mission-critical project goals, along with other federally sponsored projects. You will perform techniques requiring molecular and biochemical skills to plan and execute projects for experimental procedures.

This position has an anticipated start date of May 1, 2026 and will be performed onsite in Emeryville, CA.

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:

• Collect information and data through experimentation.
• Prepare technical reports and documentation to summarize results.
• Perform on the job training to conduct routine molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemical techniques using microbial hosts including, Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and Corynebacterium glutamicum.
• Perform on the job training to construct and verify recombinant plasmids and strains of P. putida KT2440 and C. glutamicum using CRISPR and other programmable nuclease-assisted recombineering strategies.
• Assist with sample preparation for whole-genome sequencing and functional genomics approaches such as RNA-seq and proteomics.
• Assist with utilizing statistical software and programming tools to support data analysis.
• Assist with generating technical manuscripts, reports, standard operating procedures, and presentations.
• Perform on the job training to assist with standard analytical chemistry and quantification techniques, including HPLC, GC-FID, GC-MS, and colorimetric assays.

What is Required:

• General knowledge of laboratory practices, including conducting experiments and basic safety protocol.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to maintain records and manage data.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to follow written laboratory protocols and work within an interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Molecular and Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and apply new techniques.

Additional Information:

• Application Date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume by Thursday, April 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, non-exempt from overtime pay (hourly paid), 1 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: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and has a budgeted salary range of $23.97 - $29.43 hourly, which fits into the full salary range of $23.97 - $34.86 hourly for job code 588.1. 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 (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
• 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 not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available 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 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.