Computational Research Scientist
Listed on 2026-03-06
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Engineering
Research Scientist -
Research/Development
Research Scientist, Data Scientist
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Computational Research Scientist within the Building and Industrial Energy Systems Division. The Computational Research Scientist will conduct research, develop and apply AI technologies to support design, operation, and retrofit of buildings for optimal performance of energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and occupant comfort.
Current research in LBNL’s Building and Industrial Energy Systems Division includes the development and application of building energy simulation, research on building controls, performance monitoring, window systems, high performance facades, management of peak electricity demand, and benchmarking of building energy performance. The incumbent will focus on research and application of advanced AI methods and tools to automate building energy modeling, develop digital twins of buildings, prototype robotic technologies for HVAC systems in buildings, as well as collaborate with BIES staff on related projects.
The incumbent will serve as technical lead for projects focusing on AI technologies for buildings.
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
Exceptional health and retirement benefits , including pension or 401K-style plans
A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
You will:Conduct independent research, develop and apply advanced AI technologies to curate and integrate data in buildings to be AI-ready
Develop and validate digital twins of buildings and HVAC systems
Develop and validate machine learning models for load forecasting
Conduct independent research and apply AI technologies (e.g., MCP, agentic AI) to automate building energy modeling and simulation workflow
Design and prototype robots for HVAC refrigerant leak detection
Provide complex troubleshooting and contribute to further development of the LBNL building energy analysis tools: BETTER and CityBES
Work effectively both independently and with a team on multi-disciplinary R&D projects
Collaborate with project team and PIs on project progress and issues
Present projects and research outcomes at conferences and to stakeholders or funders
Write technical reports and publish research outcomes as journal articles as lead author
Actively contribute to research proposal development, including as lead PI.
Successfully build and manage a funded research portfolio.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:Manage projects
Supervise technical staff
We are looking for:An Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, building science or a closely related field with up to five years’ experience in HVAC or Building Science and Technology, or equivalent work experience.
Hands-on experience in developing web-based applications for building energy simulation and analysis
Strong experience in curating AI-ready datasets
Strong experience in developing digital twins of buildings using Energy Plus as the simulation engine
Strong experience in using machine learning models for load forecasting
Strong experience in AI technologies (e.g., MCP, agentic AI) for workflow integration and automation
Hands-on experience using data tools (e.g., XML, JSON, YAML, Brick)
Strong knowledge of building science and HVAC system operation
Strong knowledge of data and computing science
Practical knowledge of a wide set of AI technologies
Proficiency programming using Python, Python libraries, and AI code packages
Strong development skill of web applications
Ability to work on multiple tasks and projects
Ability to work collaboratively and lead in a team environment
Excellent communication skills both oral and written
Participate and contribute to research proposal developments
Demonstrated ability to publish journal articles
Desired skills/knowledge:PhD in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, building science or a closely related field
Track records of publication of journal articles
General knowledge of project management
Requested Application Materials:Names and contact information for at least three individuals who can write letters of reference
Additional information:Application date:
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 31, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
Appointment type:
This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
Annual salary range:
The expected salary for this position is $171,804 - $189,888 which fits into the full salary of $113,028 - $264,768 depending on the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education,…
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