Scientific Web Developer

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division has an opening for a Scientific Web Developer. 

As part of the Photon Science Computing (PSC) group, the Computer Systems Engineer will help shape the strategy for control system user interfaces across the facility. This hands-on role includes designing, developing, maintaining, and supporting UI applications that control and monitor scientific instruments. The engineer will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and external partners to create robust, user-centered software solutions that expand experimental capabilities and boost operational efficiency.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility that produces exceptionally bright soft and hard x-ray, ultraviolet, and infrared light. With a strong scientific reputation, expert staff, and advanced capabilities, the ALS attracts thousands of academic and industrial users each year in condensed matter and quantum materials, energy sciences, biosciences, earth and planetary sciences and more.

The ALS is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve 15,000 users annually. Co-located with the Molecular Foundry, NERSC supercomputing center, and Berkeley Lab's materials, chemical sciences, biosciences, and other divisions, it provides an ideal collaborative environment for innovative scientific discoveries. 

The ALS is a global leader in soft x-ray science, and aims to maintain its leadership with ALS-U, a major project to upgrade the facility to a fourth-generation light source. This upgrade will position the facility among the brightest soft x-ray light sources in the world, offering capabilities that no other facility can provide.

You will:

• Design and develop browser-based user interfaces for scientific workflows and real-time data visualization from instruments.
• Create platforms for advanced data analysis and AI/ML-driven orchestration.
• Collaborate with ALS scientists to gather requirements and deliver tailored software solutions.
• Build and maintain scalable, sustainable frameworks supporting multiple UI configurations.
• Provide technical support, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth user experiences.
• Use modern practices for testing, deploying, and maintaining software systems.
• Write clear, user-focused documentation, including guidelines and tutorials.
• Work directly with beamline scientists to develop custom solutions.
• Contribute to open-source projects and collaborate with other scientific facilities.
• Present work to ALS staff, collaborators, and stakeholders as needed.
• Lead the implementation of web-based solutions, offering technical expertise.
• Develop backend services that integrate with authentication systems, user databases, and scientific tools.
• Define and maintain publicly shared code libraries for the scientific community.
• Champion accessibility and inclusive UX for diverse scientific users.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of related experience, or Master’s degree with 6 years, or equivalent experience.
• At least 4 years of experience in web application development.
• Proficiency in front-end development, including experience with SPA frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular.
• Experience with backend frameworks (e.g., Node.js, FastAPI, Django).
• Familiarity with modern software development practices: version control, build tools, issue tracking, and continuous integration (CI).
• Experience with containerization and deployment technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Podman).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Effective team player with the ability to collaborate with scientists and external partners.
• Interest in supporting scientific research environments.
• Proficient in Python (minimum 1 year) and experienced with SQL databases.
• Ability to install and maintain server hardware, including lifting up to 20 lbs.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with control systems such as Bluesky, EPICS or similar.
• Skilled in scientific instrumentation and automating experimental workflows.
• Experience with real-time data streaming (e.g., websockets, Kafka) and visualization at instrument rates.
• Hands-on with DevOps for scientific apps (CI/CD to on-prem clusters; containers at beamlines).
• Experience integrating authentication and authorization protocols (e.g., OIDC, SAML).

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 18, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $157,000 - $192,000, which fits into the full salary of $139,440 - $235,308 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of 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: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. 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.

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.