Viral Genomics Research Scientist

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Research Scientist to join the Viral Genomics Group, as part of the JGI Metagenome Program.

In this role, you will assist users of the JGI Metagenome Program in their project design, data quality troubleshooting, and data analysis, in particular for projects involving viral genome analysis, large scale comparative genomics, and/or new sequencing technologies (e.g. long-reads metagenomics). Reporting to the Viral Genomics Group Lead, you will lead research projects to develop innovative approaches, both experimental and computational, that would ultimately provide new tools for the scientific community to better characterize uncultivated viruses and their impact on microbiomes.

The JGI’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOE”s research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. This position is headquartered on the Lab’s main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

What You Will Do:

• Lead research and development activities in the areas of viral genomics and virus-host interactions.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals as a lead and/or corresponding author.
• Provide scientific support involving the establishment of new approaches such as RiboSeq (“translatomics”) applied to microbes and viruses.
• Develop new protocols leveraging digital droplet PCR and bead-based droplet PCR approaches.
• Develop research proposals in response to new funding opportunities.
• Attend group meetings, present status reports, and scientific findings.
• Present research at scientific conferences.
• Develop new experimental approaches to experimentally characterize virus-host interactions in model systems.
• Contribute to the overall Metagenome Program’s strategic planning, identification of new technologies, and approaches that may be relevant for current and future users.
• Support the JGI Deputy of Science in the organization of the weekly “IGB Science Forum” seminar series.
• Provide scientific support including assistance in designing projects, troubleshooting quality issues, and help in computational analysis in the metagenome program focusing on viral genome analysis and/or leveraging new sequencing and sample preparation technologies.
• Perform computational analyses to explore and characterize the advantages and potential biases of new metagenome sequencing technologies, such as long-read sequencing of Hi-C datasets.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and tracking spreadsheets.

What is Required:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience organizing and presenting technical reports to collaborators, JGI staff, management, and sponsors.
• Expertise in Molecular Biology Techniques including PCR, ddPCR, nucleic acid extractions, phage isolation, and experience designing experiments and developing custom analysis pipelines.
• Familiarity with current computational analysis strategies for metagenomic data including assembly, identification of SNPs, virus identification methods, functional annotation approaches, and other contemporary analysis strategies using tools including Anvi’o, hmmsearch, geNomad, or comparable packages.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to perform collaborative research and effectively interact with members of the scientific, instrumentation and informatics communities.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, problem-solving, troubleshooting complex experimental processes, decision-making, and providing analysis.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience beyond the highest customary degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.
• Familiarity with advanced sequence and metagenomic analysis tools.
• Familiarity with Data Science.
• A minimum of 5 years of Postdoctoral and/or professional work experience in relevant areas of research.

Notes:

• 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 is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year, Career-Track Term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years or converted to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• For full consideration, please apply with a Resume or CV by May 24, 2023.
• This position has a targeted salary range of $77,172 to $144,060 per year for job code S05.1. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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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 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

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