Bioprocess Engineer - Conversion & Recovery

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Bioprocess Engineer to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) in Emeryville, CA.

ABPDU is a state-of-the-art bioprocess optimization and scale-up facility dedicated to converting sustainable feedstocks and biomass into biofuels, bio-based chemicals, and biomaterials. This position will contribute to and help manage bioconversion research projects which involve biomass analysis, deconstruction, fermentation and downstream processing.

You will apply standard engineering, scientific, and/or other technical concepts to provide technical support and ensure smooth execution of extensive conversion and recovery projects at the ABPDU. This role will serve as a liaison between scientists and scientific, technical, and administrative support within the Lab and ensure that team members are contributing towards the maintenance of equipment, utilities, and overall facility and are environment, health, and safety (EH&S)-compliant. Additionally, you will manage and directly supervise the day-to-day research, training, and scientific mentoring of one or several research associates and other technical staff.

This position has an anticipated start date of May 1, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Contribute to the planning and execution of process development, piloting related projects and experiments in collaboration with industry, academic, and Federal R&D sponsors and partners.
• Participate in the authoring of manuscripts, grant proposals, patent applications, and internal/external presentations.
• Contribute to the process of selection, improvement, and maintenance of equipment and laboratory facilities in the catalysis and recovery area.
• Participate in team meetings, present findings at meetings, and attend conferences.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and represent ABPDU at renowned international conferences.
• Serve as a project lead and execute multiple conversion projects simultaneously.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for collaborators, communicating research plans and expectations ahead of project execution.
• Understand the science behind each project and design experiments to resolve moderately complex scale-up issues by applying advanced chemical engineering and statistical concepts.
• Contribute to resource analyses, task identification, assignments, and timelines.
• Review the batch records written by Research Associates (RAs).
• Provide thorough and up-to-date training to RAs to maintain and troubleshoot intricate equipment. Ensure that RAs provide equipment that is fully functional and EH&S compliant prior to a project run.
• Ensure that all materials are received, and deliverables shipped to clients per LBNL shipping and receiving policy.
• Efficiently maneuver through unexpected events before, during, and after the project execution phase with clients, colleagues, vendors, and other involved parties.
• Provide support in off hours as needed.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in bioprocess engineering, process optimization, and scale-up for biochemical conversion (via pretreatment and fermentation) and recovery of biofuels and bioproducts or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with operation and troubleshooting of large-scale fermentation reactors (e.g., 100+ L) and multiple pilot-scale recovery unit operations, such as solid-liquid separation via continuous centrifugation, filtration etc.
• Experience developing protocols on high-throughput conversion equipment (HTX, BioLector, Sartorius Ambr, etc.)
• Industry hands-on experience in the fields of biofuel, biochemical, and protein production via fermentation and upstream and downstream processes.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the design of experiments and data analysis using SAS JMP, R, or other statistical software.
• Experience with lab equipment, safety, compliance, and facility management.
• Experience supervising technical staff and/or undergraduate/graduate students in a bioprocess production environment.
• Excellent analytical skills including experience identifying issues, problem solving, troubleshooting, and using critical thinking to devise solutions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including experience organizing, summarizing, and presenting data, documents, and records to audiences with varying degrees of technical expertise.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary laboratory environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in a customer focused, client-facing role.

Notes:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing your interest by April 21, 2025.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 2 year (benefits eligible), Term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary Information: This position is expected to pay $82,728 - $103,440 annually, which fits within the full salary range of $82,728 - $139,644 annually for job code N50.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• Background Check: 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.
• Work Modality: This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) - Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. This position will typically operate Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm or as needed while researchers are onsite.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.