AI Cell Physiology Modeling Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Cellular Intelligence and BioAnalytics (CIBA) Group within the Advanced Bio Process Development Unit (ABPDU).

In this exciting role, you will develop AI-driven predictive metabolic models of cell physiology, metabolism, and functional behavior. You will have the opportunity to receive hands-on training in mammalian cell culture, micro-respirometry, stable isotope tracing, and associated biochemical assays. This training will provide a deep first-principles understanding of the biological systems being modeled. You will develop the practical skills needed to maintain cell lines and conduct targeted experiments. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with experimentalists while developing and applying AI-driven models of cellular physiology. You will integrate and analyze datasets generated to advance predictive models of cellular metabolism and function.

Important Note: Training for this position will start at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for 3-4 months, followed by relocation to Berkeley Lab for the remainder of the appointment. Alternatively, immediate relocation upon hire to Berkeley Lab may be possible, followed by periodic 4-5 day visits to UCLA throughout the appointment for training and/or collaboration, depending on project needs. 

This position 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!

What You Will Do:

• Develop research expertise by contributing to project goals, engaging constructively with collaborators, generating scientific insights, and progressively taking ownership of defined research activities under appropriate scientific mentorship.

• Develop, implement, train, and validate machine learning and deep learning models for AI-driven prediction of cell physiology, metabolism, and functional behavior, with input from the research team.
• Participate in hands-on research training at UCLA, including mammalian cell culture, micro-respirometry, stable isotope tracing, and associated biochemical assays, to develop a strong practical understanding of relevant cell biology experiments.
• Conduct targeted experiments and closely collaborate with experimentalists at UCLA to integrate experimental datasets generated at UCLA and LBNL into AI-driven predictive models.
• Prepare and publish rigorous research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Maintain well organized, thorough, and accurate laboratory documentation. 
• Provide regular written and oral progress updates and facilitate technical discussions within the team.
• Prepare and present research findings at conferences and meetings with collaborators across industry, academia, and national laboratories.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong computational and machine learning skills, including research experience applying AI/ML models using complex experimental biology datasets.
• Demonstrated understanding of Cell Biology, through academic coursework, research experience, or wet-lab experience in Life-Sciences or related disciplines.
• Strong willingness and ability to participate in hands-on training onsite at UCLA to acquire wet-lab experimental skills, including cell culture, micro-respirometry, and biochemical assays.
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to identify problems, troubleshoot, and demonstrate good judgement in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience documenting research activities, analyzing results, and presenting findings for a variety of audiences. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including experience collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team in a multi-disciplinary scientific or production environment.

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 September 15, 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 $8,266 - $9,234 monthly / $99,192 - $110,808 annually and is expected to start at $8,266 monthly / $99,192 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 West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, located at 717 Potter Street Berkeley, CA 94710. 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

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.