Bioenergy Data Research Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

2d • $27 - $42 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Bioenergy Data Research Associate within the Energy Analysis division. Under direct supervision, you will support the Scown Group and collaborate with the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI)’s Lifecycle, Economics, and Agronomy Division. You will perform semi-routine research assignments, including working with data from experiments and field trials related to biomass feedstock production, processing, and conversion. You will help with preliminary data analysis, organize information, support the development of tools, and help design and manage databases.
You will provide the RA experience in harmonizing data from multiple sources into products to support decision making by researchers and partners. You will report directly to the supervisor and provide support for project milestones, with occasional interactions with scientists, engineers, and other research staff as directed. You will primarily perform computational work outside of the lab environment.
Other responsibilities include staying up to date on best practices for managing large biological datasets, assisting with translating data for use in tools and additional research, and performing basic cleaning of external data.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
Pet insurance

Requirements

• 1-2 years of relevant experience working with real-world data and conducting related analysis.
• Familiarity with bioenergy processes, including feedstock management, processing, and conversion technologies, with a preference for knowledge of feedstocks sourced specifically in California.
• Strong data management skills, including the ability to maintain accurate and thorough experimental and procedural records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, including integrity, honesty, and mutual respect in both intellectual and interpersonal workplace interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with database architecture and management systems
• Experience with managing and analyzing data related to agricultural production and processes.
• Experience with Life Cycle Analysis and/or Technoeconomic Analysis, especially in a field related to bioenergy.

Responsibilities

• Preliminary Data Analysis: Under direct supervision, clean and format data and assist other team members with analysis to support larger research goals on multiple projects as requested.
• Database Design: Work with direct supervisor on synthesizing existing datasets of biomass characterization and conversion performance data into a standard database format. Ensure resulting database products comply with best practices for database design and data sharing.
• Ensure Safety and Compliance: Adhere strictly to LBNL safety protocols, and uphold all Laboratory, Division, and Program policies. Contribute to and facilitate a strong safety culture.
• Experimental Design Support: Follow guidance from the direct supervisor to assist with research design and data collection by maintaining familiarity with existing datasets and best practices for data collection in bioenergy experiments.
• Technoeconomic (TEA) and Lifecycle (LCA) Analysis: Stay current on available tools in bioenergy TEA and LCA, and support team members by providing relevant data to experimental researchers.
• Additional Data Support: Apply and adapt existing bioenergy data management skills to support other areas of energy research as necessary.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level