Computational Research Scientist

$110,592 - $176,947/Yr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - Berkeley, CA

Full-time - Senior

Berkeley, CA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Computational Research Scientist position at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory focuses on advancing the field of structural biology through computational methods. The role involves collaboration with a diverse user community to enhance software for X-ray diffraction data processing and to automate data analysis methods for small-molecule crystallography. The position emphasizes user support, outreach, and research, contributing to significant scientific projects in partnership with leading institutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach, user support, and DIALS dissemination to synchrotron beamline scientists.
• Manage and optimize code, build systems, and support new detector systems.
• Research methods for improving data analysis of small-molecule serial crystallographic data.
• Lead data collection and processing at X-ray free electron sources.
• Maintain detailed records of work performed and document code using standard source control methods.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at seminars and conferences.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in developing grant proposals.
• Document and maintain existing and new data processing software, including the cctbx build system.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in Crystallography or equivalent education and experience.
• Expertise in computational approaches in at least three areas such as protein crystallography, small-molecule chemical crystallography, structure solution and refinement, unit cell determination, high speed computing, image analysis, large dataset analysis, error propagation and statistics, signal processing, and GPU acceleration.
• Strong background in scientific computing including programming in Python, C++, or an equivalent platform.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to assist users in data analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated record of publication.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and experience collaborating with diverse teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with small-molecule material design and synthesis.
• Familiarity with general Python scientific data packages such as NumPy, SciPy, and pandas.
• Familiarity with the DIALS and cctbx packages.
• Expertise in protein crystallographic data analysis and small molecule chemical crystallography.
• Well versed in modern coding practices for scientific computing, including algorithm design and evaluation, source code management under a revision control system like git.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation program
• Excellent health and welfare programs
• Retirement program
• Outstanding development opportunities