Research Software Engineer (HYBRID)

Key Skills

Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow

Job Description

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division has an opening for a Research Software Engineer to focus on advancing scientific data analysis pipelines by leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques (AI/ML). This role involves leading the design and development of a robust software framework for analyzing complex scientific data. The engineer will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts to create innovative, data-driven solutions for ALS scientists.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard X-ray, and infrared regimes attract over 1,500 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft X-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art X-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do:

Research Software Engineer Level 1

• Contribute to the implementation of a computing hub with Machine Learning as a Service (MLaaS).
• Implement data analysis workflows.
• Work with ALS scientists to capture requirements for software tools.
• Design, maintain, and deploy software using modern unit testing, and deployment techniques.
• Develop user-friendly documentation.
• Actively collaborate with other Scientific User Facilities by contributing to shared open-source software projects. This includes code development, peer review, and maintaining open
• Give occasional presentations showcasing their work.
• Provide technical user support, troubleshooting and triage of issues.

Research Software Engineer Level 2 includes Level 1 plus additional Level 2 responsibilities:

• Provide expertise and technical leadership in the area of computational approaches in a scientific setting.
• Implement continuous integration and deployment workflows to new and existing code repositories.

What is Required:

Research Software Engineer Level 1

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience (Master’s or PhD); or equivalent years of work experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• Experience using the open-source scientific Python software stack.
• Knowledge of AI and ML principles and practices.
• Experience with widely used AI/ML libraries such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, and TensorFlow.
• Experience contributing to a software project, including co-developing an internal project or contributing to community-based open-source software.

Research Software Engineer Level 2

• A minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or 1 year and a PhD degree; or equivalent work experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with High-Performance Computing workloads.
• Experience with MLOps platform such as MLFlow.
• Experience with configuring and maintaining GitHub Actions.
• Experience with one or more container deployment systems such as Podman, Docker and Kubernetes.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by November 1, 2024.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• If hired at a level 1:
• This position is expected to pay $86,628.00 - $108,276.00, which fits within the full salary range of $86,628.00 - $146,196.00 for the C70.1 job code. 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.
• If hired at a level 2:
• This position is expected to pay $109,152.00 - $136,428.00, which fits within the full salary range of $109,152.00 - $184,200.00 for the C70.2 job code. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• 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.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, combining teleworking with on-site work at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals in this role are expected to be on-site at least three days per week, with specific schedules dependent on business needs. Employees working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

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.