Sr. Scientific Engineering Associate

Berkeley Lab - California - Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s ( ) Division has an opening for a Sr. Scientific Engineering Associate to join the team. In this exciting role, you will lead high-throughput efforts in the deconstruction and analysis of biomass and the resultant fractions generated by the process. This will include participating and leading automation engineering efforts within the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) Deconstruction Division teams at the Emery Station East (ESE4) Facility and will apply standard and unique engineering, scientific, and/or other technical concepts to provide broad and varied technical support for sophisticated biotech-laboratory equipment. The position will collaborate within JBEI and related research personnel to develop and implement automated processes and solutions, develop new approaches for the pretreatment and fractionation of biomass using ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, and develop analytical protocols for the characterization of biomass deconstruction outputs. You will perform complex assignments related to operating, programming, and repairing the instrumentation, planning and implementing new experiments in biomass deconstruction, evaluating and supporting the procurement of new instrumentation, developing laboratory analytical protocols, as well as troubleshooting automation systems and instruments. What You Will Do: Independently manage day-to-day activities and work queues of the ESE4 feedstocks-to-fuels automation team; provide direction and guide team members. Independently coordinate and prioritize the work, plans, and schedules of the automation team with other JBEI departments and groups as well as internal and external collaborators. Develop, implement and analyze new approaches in biomass deconstruction based on the use of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents. Manage the technical evaluation of existing and proposed custom equipment. Plan, organize, and conduct innovative engineering and process improvement projects to advance the JBEI mission and to gain operational efficiencies in terms of reductions in project cycle time, cost, and/or labor time. Collaborate with research personnel to design, develop, and implement automation solutions for biotechnological work processes. Utilize commercially available software, including Visual Basic, VBScript, VB.Net, VBA, and Excel as well as custom software applications (including Labman, Biomek, Biomek Method Launcher, and Semi Ex) to program robotic platforms and general laboratory equipment. Script automated workflows on robotic liquid handlers and large integrated robotic systems (e.g., a Biomek FXP Laboratory Automation Workstation integrated with microplate hotel, conveyer, incubator, centrifuge, and plate reader). Train and collaborate with end-users on the operation of new systems and tools, and support their implementation, including the development of training material, Standard Operating Procedures, and validation testing. Collaborate with vendors for the support, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory instruments including: Labman biomass dispensing robot, Liquid Handlers, Robotic Systems, Analysis Instruments, and other similarly complex scientific and biotech lab equipment. Respond to automation-based work requests, log and manage all work in JIRA (or other ticketing systems as appropriate) and provide regular reports as requested by the Supervisor. Maintain clear communication and high levels of customer service with appropriate JBEI personnel concerning service and support issues, including instrumentation and process troubleshooting. Contribute to the preparation of scientific and technical manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and posters for presentation at scientific and technical conferences and meetings. Provide oversight and guidance for research associates, and other scientific staff, where appropriate. Provide technical support for the installation, evaluation, and ongoing support of new instruments, including establishing recalibration & maintenance frequencies. Consult with service engineers and coordinate service for the repair and maintenance of equipment under maintenance contracts with the vendor. Collaborate with the informatics team to automatically collect metadata of the experimental design into the Experiment Data Depot. Additional Responsibilities as needed: Assist with special projects as assigned (e.g., ergonomic modifications to commercial instruments). Participate in lab organizational meetings, and provide periodic updates in lab group meetings. What is Required: B.S. degree in Biology, Engineering or related discipline, and 3-5 years minimum professional technical experience in a research laboratory or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience applying technical, scientific, and engineering principles to evaluate manual laboratory work protocols/processes and develop automated work processes. Demonstrated expertise in the use of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for biomass pretreatment and fractionation. Experience with scripting automated workflows on robotic liquid handlers (e.g., Labman, Biomek FXP/NXP/FX/NX). Experience gathering feedback and requirements and analyzing data to make recommendations. Proficiency with process optimization methodologies. Strong knowledge and expertise in laboratory technology including biomass analysis, automated high-throughput and biotech instrumentation, including the ability to create, validate, optimize, and maintain liquid handling processes on robotic workstations. Knowledge of Visual Basic, VBScript, Biomek, Biomek Method Launcher, and Semi Ex programming for data manipulation & instrument integration. Ability to design, install, maintain, calibrate and operate a variety of electronic components, devices, instruments, circuits, equipment, or systems. Strong written and verbal communication skills. General personal computer application skills with spreadsheets, databases, and word processors. Desired Qualifications: Knowledge (or demonstrated knowledge) in a laboratory and general molecular biology techniques. Familiarity with Coastal Genomics/Hamilton NIMBUS, Labcyte Echo550, and Molecular Devices QPix460 instruments. Notes: This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. 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. Berkeley Lab is committed to and strives to hire individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who share these same values and commitments. * Work will be primarily performed at Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) — Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA. Learn about us! Biological Systems and Engineering Division Vision: To lead efforts that combine the power of biology with the tools of engineering to develop sustainable energy and biomanufacturing solutions and improve human health. Mission: Advance a mechanistic and predictive understanding of complex biological systems over multiple scales in terms of their responses to manipulation, stress, disease and environmental challenges and translate this knowledge using engineering principles to develop resilient systems, tools, and processes for the efficient production of fuels, chemicals, materials, tissues, and therapeutics. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law." Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.... - Permanent - Full-time

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