Synthetic Biology and Strain Engineering Research Scientist

Berkeley, CA, United States

Berkeley Lab's ( LBNL ) Biological Systems and Engineering ( BSE ) Division is looking for a Biologist Research Scientist to join the Deconstruction Division at the Joint BioEnergy Institute ( JBEI ) located in Emeryville, CA.

In this exciting role, you will develop multiple biotechnology relevant hosts including Pseudomonas putida for the production of biofuels and bioproducts. Specifically, this project has two main goals. 1.) Generating strains that have been engineered to be capable of converting lignin derived intermediates into biofuels and bioproducts. Engineered and modified strains will be examined under a variety of cultivation modes and scales using multi-omics methods. The resulting systems biology data will be used to develop biodesign approaches to build host chassis that can maintain production phenotype in a stable and reliable manner for longer periods of time in cultivation regimes required for industrial scale-up and production. 2.) Generating strains that show high productivity in industrial conditions - such as low oxygen, high gravity, and mixed carbon source regimes.

This position has an anticipated start date of August 15, 2024.

What You Will Do:

Develop genetic and evolution strategies for strain development.

Identify genetic modifications required to improve strain performance and stability during scale-up using industrially relevant carbon sources (mixed carbon, hydrolysate).

Implement hypotheses from metabolic models to generate complex engineered strains.

Examine wild-type, engineered and libraries of genetically altered microbial strains in a range of cultivation modes and regimes - to collect growth and production data, and samples for multi-omics experiments (RNAseq, resequencing, protein and metabolite analysis).

Develop mechanistic models of key cellular response relevant to production phenotypes.

Collaborate with analytical and computational teams at JBEI and Lab user facilities to develop quantitative metabolic and stress response models that impact production levels and production phenotype stability. Determine the parameters that are required to be measured to refine models.

Develop tools to deploy genetic modifications and biodesign strategies in key microbial hosts, including E. coli, C. glutamicum, S cerevisiae, P. putida and other microbes.

Demonstrate increased strain capacity and maintain high productivity for longer periods of time - specifically in strains such as P. putida.

Participate in group meetings and seminars.

Lead the development and authorship of peer-reviewed publications.

Lead the development and submission of proposals to internal and external funding opportunities.

Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed. Ensure that others could duplicate results.

What is Required:

A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field and minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working with biotechnology applications that use microbiology, molecular biology, systems biology research, and the development of microbial systems or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience working with a large number of microbes such as E. coli, C. glutamicum, S cerevisiae, P. putida and other microbes.

Experience developing genetics tools.

Experience working with bioreactors such as AMBR250 and Sartorius.

Experience working in collaboration with user-facilities and other computations / analytical teams.

Experience with undertaking a mechanistic evaluation of regulation and transcription in biological systems.

Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.

Demonstrated record of publication and a successful record of grant writing.

Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience promoting and presenting scientific projects to a variety of audiences.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with diverse teams of scientific, operations, and technical staff.

Desired Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.

Experience serving as Postdoctoral Fellow.

Experience training and directing the work of early career, technical support staff, and/or students.

Notes:

For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by June 27, 2024.

This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

This position is expected to pay $98,844 - $158,136 per year for job code S05.2, which fits within the full salary range of $98,844 - $184,512 per year. 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.

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 will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) -- Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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