Senior Scientific Data Engineer (Institutional Informatics Team - Joint Genome Institute)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory•Berkeley, CA

1d•$139,440 - $174,312•Hybrid

About The Position

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Senior Scientific Data Engineer to join the Institutional Informatics Team! In this exciting role, you will provide technical expertise supporting scientific data generation and computing systems that enable laboratory operations, data analysis, and project management. This role analyzes complex scientific and operational requirements and translates them into scalable, user-focused system solutions and functional specifications. You will support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of core platforms, including laboratory workflow orchestration, genomic data generation, metadata management, status tracking, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and the Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse. You will have the opportunity to lead major technical initiatives, apply senior-level technical judgment, independently resolve complex issues, and proactively identify business and system needs to deliver solutions that provide operational and scientific value. The JGI is a global leader in genome science, helping shape the future of biological discovery through advanced genomic capabilities, expert support, and large-scale, AI-ready data resources. As a Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility supported by the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, JGI advances BER’s mission to achieve a predictive understanding of complex biological, Earth, and environmental systems in support of the nation’s energy and infrastructure security. Through world-class capabilities in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, natural products, and data science, JGI supports cutting-edge research on plants, fungi, algae, microorganisms, and microbiomes. JGI is headquartered in Berkeley, CA at Berkeley Lab’s Integrative Genomics Building (IGB). This position has an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026. 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!

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of related professional experience developing, integrating, deploying, and supporting production software applications and data systems that enable metadata management, workflow orchestration, data lifecycle operations, and broad user data access to scientific and operational data or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Experience with data engineering and event-driven technologies such as Airflow, Kafka, or related tools.
Experience working with various database and data storage technologies including relational databases, object storage platforms, and systems supporting structured, semi-structured, and large-scale datasets.
Strong knowledge of software and data engineering fundamentals supporting large-scale production systems, including system design, APIs, testing methodologies, concurrency, reliability, scalability, interoperability, and performance optimization.
Proficiency in Python and experience with one or more additional programming languages.
Experience using AI-assisted development tools, with demonstrated sound judgment in evaluating and validating generated code for production suitability.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership in shaping system architecture and technical direction across cross-functional engineering groups.
Excellent communication skills, including experience organizing and presenting complex technical information to internal teams and stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with stakeholders to understand project goals and translate complex scientific, operational, and user requirements into automated systems, technical specifications, and implementation plans.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Computer Science or a related field.
Experience working with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software.
Experience working with laboratory operations staff and supporting laboratory workflows.

Responsibilities

Translate complex scientific, operational, and user requirements into functional specifications, system designs, and implementation plans for system enhancements, integrations, and shared data platforms.
Design, develop, deploy, and support core systems, APIs, and workflows—including the Laboratory Information Management System (LMS), Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse, and Proposal/Project Management platforms—that enable genomic data generation, metadata management, and laboratory operations.
Lead the resolution of complex technical challenges, drive system improvements, and ensure production platforms are reliable, scalable, interoperable, and high-performing.
Promote engineering best practices through technical reviews, documentation, mentorship, and continuous improvement of development and operational processes.