Postdoctoral Fellow: AI for Biochemistry

Berkeley Lab’s Applied Mathematics and Computational Research Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar with a strong computational biochemistry or chemistry background and experience in developing artificial intelligence (AI) and foundation models (such as LLMs) approaches for knowledge discovery. You will be part of the Applied Computing for Scientific Discovery Group (ACSD), which has a focus on enabling scientific discovery through the development of advanced software applications, tools, and libraries in key DOE mission areas, as well as the development of scientific computing applications and capabilities for the integration and analysis of complex data from simulation and experiment. In this position, you will play an integral role in a multidisciplinary team that includes scientists from biosciences, physical sciences, and computational sciences. You will actively contribute to ACSD’s efforts in understanding biochemical processes for carbon capture, as well as the development of novel AI and inverse design technologies that enable accelerated scientific discovery at various scales in the biological ecosystem. 

This position is a research position combining elements of chemistry and biochemistry, biology, statistics, AI, and computational science. The successful applicant will work closely with biologists and biochemists to develop biochemical data sets, and to develop AI and LLM models that will close the feedback loop for accelerated knowledge discovery. 

What You Will Do:

• Develop computational biochemical data sets using molecular computational chemistry methods.
• Develop, test, benchmark, and tune AI and foundation models.
• Deploy developments on high performance computing platforms.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team environment including scientists from biosciences, physical sciences, and computational sciences.
• Author peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to research proposals.
• Publish developed algorithms as software packages.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. within the last 3 years in Chemical, Biochemical Sciences or a related field, with a strong research background in biochemistry or chemistry, molecular computational chemistry methodologies, AI and foundation models, and programming.
• Applicants with a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Machine Learning, Computational Science will be considered if they have a demonstrated experience in chemistry, biochemistry, and understanding and experience with molecular computational chemistry methods.
• Demonstrated research experience in modeling chemistry or biochemistry using molecular computational chemistry methodologies.
• Demonstrated research experience in the development AI and foundation models for biochemistry or chemistry.
• Excellent Python programming skills.
• Demonstrated experience working on high performance computing.
• Ability and desire to work as part of an energetic cross-disciplinary team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.

Requested Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Detailed Cover Letter

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6431-$10114 and is expected to start at $8078 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• 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 may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.