Biologist Postdoctoral Scholar – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems & Engineering Division has an opening for a Biologist Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will work on solving inspiring scientific challenges to mitigate the level of greenhouse gases using bioengineering. The research project will involve developing synthetic biology tools for microbial metabolic strain engineering of non-model bacteria that consume C1-carbon substrate. You will develop CRISPR based bioengineering methods, biosensors for real time detection of metabolites, and expression of heterologous pathway for biochemical production. You will work in a team with expert scientists, develop state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools and contribute to a global mission of one step forward to reverse climate change.

What You Will Do:

• Screen candidate enzymes for heterologous expression in a non-model bacterial host-platform for targeted biochemical production.
• Utilize CRISPR and other genetic tools to optimize genetic manipulation protocol for a non-model bacterial host.
• Establish use of biosensor for real-time detection of metabolite production.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed electronic scientific logbook of all experiments performed. Store all data generated in an organized and secure way. Ensure that others could duplicate results.
• Adhere to institutional health and safety requirements.
• Ability to conduct practical experiments independently.
• Ability to conduct original work that meets the milestones of projects.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and regular progress reports for project.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Assist Principal Investigator with training and managing workflow of student scientists.
• Participate and present data at group meetings and seminars.
• Maintain and support scientific equipment as needed.

What is Required:

• PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, synthetic biology and microbial metabolic engineering or a related field received within the last year.
• Detailed knowledge of bacterial physiology, genetics, and protein biochemistry.
• Experience in genetic tool development of Gram-negative bacteria, including plasmid construction, DNA transformation, genomic integration and deletions, CRISPR and enzyme screening.
• Experience with analytical instruments like HPLC, plate readers and spectrophotometers.
• Experience with aseptic techniques and cell culturing.
• Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of biotic C1 (CH4) uptake systems.
• Experience in gas-fermentation.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tool for plasmid design, DNA sequence analysis and function assessment.
• Experience in DNA extraction, metabolite extraction, isolation and structure elucidation (HPLC, LC-MS, GC, and/or GC-MS) and reporter gene assays.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 1 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.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• 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 will be primarily performed at Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) – Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA.

How To Apply

Apply directly online and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.

Learn about us!

Biological Systems and Engineering Division

Vision: To lead efforts that combine the power of biology with the tools of engineering to develop sustainable energy and biomanufacturing solutions and improve human health.

Mission: Advance a mechanistic and predictive understanding of complex biological systems over multiple scales in terms of their responses to manipulation, stress, disease and environmental challenges and translate this knowledge using engineering principles to develop resilient systems, tools, and processes for the efficient production of fuels, chemicals, materials, tissues, and therapeutics.

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.

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