Senior Scientific Data Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Joint Genome Institute invites qualified candidates to apply for a Senior Scientific Data Engineer. This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a hybrid work arrangement, supporting genomic data generation, metadata management, and data platforms across scientific operations. You will help design and sustain the LMS/LIMS, data warehouse and lakehouse capabilities, and related workflows, with opportunities to lead major technical initiatives.

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/LIMS), 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.

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 relational databases, object storage platforms, and systems supporting structured, semi-structured, and large-scale datasets.
• Strong knowledge of software and data engineering fundamentals for 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.

Technologies

• Python
• Airflow
• Kafka
• Laboratory Information Management System (LMS/LIMS)
• Data Warehouse/Data Lakehouse
• AI-assisted development tools

Benefits

• Exceptional health benefits
• Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams
• Relocation assistance
• Hybrid work schedule eligibility

Why join Berkeley Lab?

• Exceptional health benefits.
• Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays.
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!

Additional Information

• Application Date: Priority consideration for resumes and cover letters by June 22, 2026. Applications accepted until the posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: Full-time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), two-year term appointment with benefits eligibility, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a Career appointment based on performance, funds, and ongoing needs.
• Salary Range: Budgeted salary range of $139,440 - $174,312 annually, within the full range of $139,440 - $235,308 for job code C71.3. Final salary will reflect the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Background Check: Position is subject to a background check. Convictions will be evaluated for relevance to the responsibilities and requirements. A conviction history does not automatically disqualify an applicant.
• Work Modality: Hybrid work schedule combining telework and on-site duties at 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Residency within 150 miles is required; schedules depend on business needs. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work may be considered. A REAL ID or other acceptable ID is required.
• Relocation Assistance: Eligible.
• Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Berkeley Lab does not sponsor visas for this position.