Process Engineering Graduate Student Research Assistant

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Graduate Student Research Assistant to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) in Emeryville, CA.

ABPDU is a state-of-the-art bioprocess optimization and scale-up facility dedicated to converting sustainable feedstocks and biomass into biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and biomaterials. This position will play a key role in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (DOE-BETO) funded R&D project focused on advanced biofuel production, including fermentation process development, product recovery, and analytics. 

In this exciting role, you will plan and execute experiments, collect and analyze data, and report findings from laboratory and bench-scale processes. As the research progresses, this position will have opportunities to contribute to publications, mentor junior researchers, and take on greater intellectual responsibilities.

This position has an anticipated start date of May 5, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Plan, develop, and execute fermentation experiments independently and collaboratively.
• Collect, analyze, and report data through written and oral presentations for team members and collaborators.
• Maintain a detailed and organized scientific logbook, including notebooks and batch records, to ensure reproducibility
• Present findings at meetings and conferences and contribute to manuscripts and internal/external presentations.
• Provide guidance to student interns, ensuring efficient workflow.
• Engage professionally and productively with team members and actively participate in group meetings, occasionally facilitating discussions.
• Stay current with scientific literature and contribute novel research ideas.
• Apply strong problem-solving skills, developing and presenting novel methods to address challenges within broadly defined objectives.
• Adhere to safety guidelines, contribute to continuous safety improvements, and be available for periodic shifts as required by project or emergency needs.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Explore in new research areas, such as microbe-based plastic upcycling using bioinformatics and experimental tools.
• Utilize statistical design of experiments (DOE) and data analysis software as needed.
• Perform system suitability testing, statistical process control, and root cause failure analysis to enhance process reliability.
• Manage supply orders and coordinate with collaborators on materials and consumables.
• Assistance in equipment and laboratory maintenance.

What is Required:

• Must be enrolled in a full-time academic graduate program in Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactors and fermentation process unit operations, bio-based product separation, recovery, and purification methodologies.
• Experience in developing and operating analytical chemistry techniques such as HPLC, GC for process monitoring and product characterization.
• Strong proficiency in statistical data analysis and experimental design.
• Familiarity with analytical instruments and a keen interest in biofuel and bioprocess development research.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop early career researchers.
• Strong organization skills including attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with biological data analysis, with advanced quantitative and computational skills.
• Experience with flow cytometry for microbial characterization.
• Knowledge and experience in plastics chemistry and relevant biological degradation pathways.
• Knowledge and experience in bioinformatics for genomic, proteomic, or metabolic pathways.
• Knowledge and experience in Raman spectroscopy for molecular characterization.
• Basic understanding of lignocellulosic biofuel processes and associated microbial conversions.
• Understanding of membrane separation technologies for bio-based product purification.
• A publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency with Python for data processing, modeling, and analysis.

Notes:

• Deadline to Apply: For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by April 17, 2025.
• Appointment Type: This is a full-time, non-exempt from overtime pay (hourly paid), Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) appointment. This position has a start date of May 5, 2025 and anticipated end date of August 29, 2025, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory job performance, continued funding availability, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary Information: This position is expected to pay $33.24 - $48.27 per hour and is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Salary will be predetermined based on collective bargaining agreements step rates and commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group. 
• Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.
• Relocation Assistance: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• 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 Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) — Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. This position will typically operate Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm.

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.