Job Abstract

Please note: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation.

The Berkeley Lab's Scientific Data Division is hiring a User Experience Researcher. This division collaborates with experts to develop data science methods, technologies, and infrastructures to drive scientific breakthroughs. Key focus areas include data modeling and analytics, scalable methods, data lifecycle and infrastructure, digital integrity, security, privacy, sustainable software engineering, and user experience (UX).

The Usable Data Systems (UDS) group within this division seeks a Computer Systems Engineer (CSE) for UX Research & Design. This role involves incorporating user needs into software engineering processes to create sustainable software products. You will collaborate with DOE researchers, software engineers, and university faculty and students on diverse software development and data science projects supporting SciData's mission.

What You Will Do:

If hired as a Level 1:

• Engage in all aspects of UX-informed software design and development, following team procedures and practices.
• Perform design and qualitative data analysis to uncover insights that guide project direction and software sustainability.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including domain scientists, facility staff, and computer scientists and engineers, to shape product outcomes.
• Address and solve moderate-scope problems by analyzing various factors.

If hired as a Level 2 (in addition to the above):

• Execute all aspects of UX-informed software design and development.
• Identify and prioritize scientific software R&D based on existing designs, science needs, and sustainability factors.
• Work independently on assignments.
• Resolve diverse problems by evaluating identifiable factors.
• Use good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solutions.
• Network with senior internal and external experts in your field.

What is Required:

If hired as a Level 1:

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of related experience, advanced degree without experience, or equivalent work experience.
• Familiarity with usable software engineering and UX research & design methods, including experimental, survey, qualitative (ethnographic, interviews, observations), usability testing, analytics, mockup development & testing, and site mapping.
• Ability to build productive relationships.
• Experience with UX in Software targeted at a community of Scientists or Researchers
• Conduct UX research and design within the scientific software engineering process.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for a diverse team environment.

If hired as a Level 2 (in addition to the above):

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience; or 3 years with a Master’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with various UX research & design methods (experimental, survey, qualitative, usability testing, analytics) to shape software products.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve diverse problems by evaluating identifiable factors.
• Ability to network with senior internal and external experts.
• Conduct UX research and design within the scientific software engineering process, working independently.

Desired Qualifications:

Level 1:

• Familiarity with at least two UX research methods in software engineering.
• Understanding of a UX-informed software development lifecycle.
• Awareness of usability challenges with new systems and technologies in scientific contexts (e.g., Scientific Python, Jupyter, AI/ML).
• Experience in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with UX in scientific software.

Level 2 (in addition to the above):

• Proficiency in UX lifecycle and methodologies in software engineering.
• Understanding of HPC, cloud, and large-scale systems.
• Familiarity with open source software and open science practices.
• Awareness of usability challenges in scientific contexts (e.g., Cloud, Jupyter, AI/ML).
• Experience authoring publications in sociotechnical venues (e.g., CSCW, CHI, New Media & Society) based on UX research.
• Experience presenting to PIs at funding agency meetings.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, 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.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation.
• The full salary range of the User Experience Researcher Level 1 is between $84,600 to $142,764 annually and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $95,172 to $116,340 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• The full salary range of the User Experience Researcher Level 2 is between $106,596 to $179,880 annually and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $119,904 to $146,580 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of 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 or remote modes. Work must be performed within the United States.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory managed by the University of California and designated a Federally Funded Research and Development Center. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we have a close relationship with UC Berkeley, as well as robust partnerships with other academic institutions and industries, including those in Silicon Valley. The Laboratory conducts world-class research that supports clean energy, a healthy planet, and solution-inspired discovery science. Berkeley Lab is defined by our deeply felt sense of stewardship, which we describe as a commitment to taking care of the Laboratory's research, people, and resources that are entrusted to us. Our values of team science, innovation, service, trust, and respect knit us together as a community. We practice these values and prioritize our principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) to build highly effective teams that produce world-class science and technology and where all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, can thrive.

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 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 60-1.40.