This position will develop and implement the Joint BioEnergy Institute’s (JBEI) laboratory information management system (LIMS). The LIMS, which will feature a graphical user interface (GUI), will acquire electronic data from automated laboratory hardware, automatically store this data in a relational database, and integrate electronic-barcode reading and writing. This position will collaborate extensively with the 100+ JBEI experimentalists to develop database schemas for organizing experimental data, especially data gathered by automated hardware (e.g., systems for colony picking, cloning, protein expression, and enzymatic assays). The developer will work to understand multiple data types, determine which experimental information to capture, and specify the relationships between different experiments and their data. The developer will write software interfaces for the automated hardware, enabling electronic data to be automatically entered into the relational database. The developer will also develop interfaces for uploading data and performing data entry quality assurance and control. In addition, the developer will help plan and implement new LIMS services and capabilities, develop data analysis tools, and collaborate with the IT group in the maintenance of the hardware used for data entry and database hosting.

 
Duties:

Essential - Plan, organize, prioritize and complete assigned tasks and projects in a timely manner. Frequently and clearly communicate task or project status to customers to either set or negotiate expectations.

Under the broad supervision of the VP of Technology and the Computational Analysis Director implement Laboratory Information Management System:

50% Develop database schemas to organize information gathered from laboratory experiments, with an emphasis on automated hardware. Automated hardware will include systems for colony picking, cloning, protein expression, and enzymatic assays. Database schemas will be developed in collaboration with the 100+ JBEI experimentalists responsible for performing experiments. Write software interfaces to automated hardware to retrieve data in electronic form for automated entry into a relational database. Implement graphical tools for viewing and manipulating data. Participate in the formulation, planning, organizing, implementation and support of new services or capabilities. Integrate hardware and software for barcoding of experimental samples.

 
40% Interact extensively with experimentalists to understand and document multiple types of data and determine which information to capture for experiments. With experimentalists specify the relationships between different experiments and their associated data. Develop interfaces for data upload and initial quality assurance and control after entry into the system.

 
10% In collaboration with other members of the JBEI team maintain computer hardware and software for the entry of experimental data and hosting of databases.

Participate in the development of research tools for data analysis.

Essential

Bachelor’s or master’s degree (or the equivalent experience) in computer science or a physical science discipline; 5+ years of experience developing data-management software, preferably in a laboratory setting; excellent communication skills; and experience interacting with experimental scientists to develop database schemas and user interfaces. Specific areas of required experience include relational-database software (MySQL, Postgres or Oracle), CGI programming or Javascript, Python/Perl, bash/tcsh, and Web interface development tools.

Areas of essential experience include (1) relational-database schema development; (2) GUI development; (3) application development in Python/Perl and Web-based application development using CGI; (4) modern Web programming techniques such as Ajax; (5) administrator and code contributor experience in a code management system, preferably SVN or CVS; (6) database design, implementation, installation, and administration, including backup and restoration of large databases; and (7) authentication protocols (e.g., LDAP and SSL).

Applicants should also have experience with implementing hardware and software for barcoding experimental samples, developing optimal solutions for sample identification and tracking across experimental platforms, interacting with laboratory researchers to obtain specifications for data management procedures, troubleshooting software problems with researchers, developing production software in a research or technical (preferably biological) field or for scientific applications, and performing laboratory experiments. Applicants must be able to solve software problems with a flexible approach, balance independent approaches to software issues with specifications developed by others (e.g., management, researchers, and other software developers), make progress on multiple tasks simultaneously, and work both independently and as a team member.

Marginal

Bachelor's degree in computer science, or in a physical science discipline, or equivalent experience.

To apply: This is a full-time one-year Term appointment, renewable under the same conditions, contingent upon the continued availability of funding and work. For consideration apply online at: http://jobs.lbl.gov, select "Search Jobs", and enter jobnumber 22205 in the keyword search field. For more information about JBEI go to: www.jbei.org













This is a one year Term appointment, renewable under the same conditions, contingent upon the continued availability of funding and work. For immediate consideration please apply at: http://jobs.lbl.gov/LBNLCareers/details.asp?jid=21615&p=1.















Berkeley Lab is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. For more information about LBNL and its programs, visit www.lbl.gov. Information about JBEI can be found at http://jbei.org.