Computational Biology Postdoctoral Fellow (Health Sciences)

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Computational Biology Postdoctoral Fellow in Health Sciences.

In this exciting role, you will work on computational analysis, data integration and machine learning among other methods directed towards innovative approaches to decode immune responses, among other biological processes. This position will contribute to research investigations into molecular mechanisms of immune response including investigating host-pathogen interactions, inflammation, and immunity in cell co-cultures and animal models, and potentially, clinical information. You will integrate systems biology, multi-omics, and discovery approaches with mechanistic information to ultimately address key questions concerning determinants of biological processes. You will organize results for presentation and viewing by project team members, the wider scientific community, and prepare results for publication in scientific journals, conference presentations and reports. You will be expected to generate at least two first author papers per year, and to participate in and co-author additional related manuscripts. Additionally, you will present results, aid in the preparation of grant applications, and help determine future research directions.

This position has an anticipated start date of September 1, 2024.

What You Will Do:

• Perform bioinformatic analysis on data derived from experimental models such as cell culture systems, three-dimensional tissue models, and in vivo animal models, and accrued clinical data, metadata and others.
• Develop machine learning algorithms to predict/understand/decode complex biological systems
• Troubleshoot new experimental processes and optimize procedures for the biological experimental systems being studied, in close collaboration with the experimentalists.
• Summarize research results, perform associated analysis, publish them in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to scientific research papers and reports.
• Contribute to grant applications and participate in discussions on future directions.
• Provide guidance and train students, technical staff, and other group members as necessary.
• Attend group meetings or conferences/workshops and present status reports and scientific findings, as appropriate. 
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and tracking spreadsheets.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Computational Biology or Bioinformatics. Alternatively, a recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, or a related discipline with strong computational emphasis.
• Expertise in the application of computational methods to complex biological systems, with inherent strengths in both computation and biology. 
• Demonstrated expertise in complex biological data analysis, standard bioinformatics and biostatistical methods and tools including an understanding of the inherent variability and requirements of biological processes.
• Demonstrated coding skills in one or more programming languages (i.e., Python, R, Rust or similar).
• Experience applying machine learning, pattern recognition, or modeling scientific problems.
• Experience working with pathogens or associated immunological studies, including (but not limited to) biodefense and biosecurity applications. 
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting, and problem-solving experimental processes and providing analysis. 
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills with the ability to organize and present analysis reports. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals as a first author, and present at conferences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques. 
• Experience with microfluidic approaches such as flow cytometry cell sorting, microdroplet encapsulation and droplet PCR. 
• Experience working with spectral data.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume by June 28, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $7,828 - $8,742 and is expected to start at $7,828 or above. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes and are paid on a step schedule per union contract. 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.
• 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.
• This position will be performed onsite at the West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter Street Berkeley, CA 94710.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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