Bioreactor Sensing Program Manager

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Program Manager to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU).

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for overseeing advanced, high-throughput sampling strategies from bioreactors to enable a wide range of sensing modalities. You will be involved in working at the intersection of bioprocess engineering, analytical chemistry, and sensor development, with a strong focus on managing a project that advances AI and machine learning applications for process optimization and for deepening the understanding of complex biological systems.

This position has an anticipated start date of November 3, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary project focused on the design, development, and optimization of novel high-throughput sampling methods across various bioreactor scales and configurations, ensuring sample integrity and representativeness for downstream analysis.
• Engage with external vendors to integrate and evaluate a wide range of advanced sensing technologies including optical, electrochemical, spectroscopic, and quantum sensors for real-time or near real-time monitoring of bioreactor parameters, generating rich datasets for AI/ML applications.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with bioprocess engineers, molecular biologists, and data scientists to identify and implement sensing solutions tailored to the data requirements of AI/ML algorithms.
• Analyze and integrate complex, high-throughput datasets, produce detailed reports, and present key findings to internal and external stakeholders, highlighting insights derived from novel sampling strategies.
• Stay informed on cutting-edge developments in bioreactor technologies, high-throughput sampling techniques, sensing platforms, and their integration with AI in bioprocessing through ongoing engagement with both industry and academic research.
• Maintain adherence to safety protocols and quality standards in all experimental activities to ensure regulatory compliance and the integrity of scientific results. 

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field and minimum of 8 years of experience managing projects in a bioprocess development, analytical method development, or sensor integration environment with a strong emphasis on high-throughput approaches or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in data management involving a variety of analytical and high-throughput sensing technologies applicable to bioprocessing (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, Raman, FTIR, fluorescence-based assays, and biosensors).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical methods, including experience preparing and structuring datasets for use in AI/ML applications.
• Demonstrated experience managing a multidisciplinary project and coordinating efforts across diverse scientific and technical teams.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving complex issues. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting complex information to technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including experience collaborating with a dynamic, cross-functional multidisciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications:

• An Advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience with advanced data analytics, including machine learning and multivariate data analysis, for process monitoring and optimization using high-throughput datasets.
• Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) environments, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience in scale-up and technology transfer, translating laboratory-scale processes to pilot or commercial-scale operations. 

Notes:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter describing your interest by October 27, 2025.

• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 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 Information: This position is budgeted to pay $138,468 - $173,100 annually for job code Z10.3. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary for this position 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 may be 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. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Starting May 7, 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.
• Eligibility: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or transfer now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.). You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to be considered 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.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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.