Job Description

Berkeley Lab's () Biological Systems and Engineering () Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on solving exciting scientific challenges to mitigate the level of greenhouse gases using bioengineering.

In this exciting role, you will screen microbes for growth on C1-substrates and subsequently perform microbial metabolic strain engineering of non-model hosts for biofuel production from C1- substrate. You will develop genetic tools and expression systems for recombinant product synthesis in non-model hosts and perform final strain and product analysis in bioreactor. You will collaborate with a team of expert scientists, develop state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools, and biochemical pathways for biofuel production .

This position will be located in Emeryville, CA and has an anticipated start date of May 1, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Screen multiple formatotrophs for growth on C1-substrates.

• Utilize manual and/or automated methods for growth and product screening.

• Employ replicative plasmids or genome integration for biochemical pathway expression.

• Develop genetic manipulation protocols for a non-model bacterial host.

• Perform biochemical analysis, transcript analysis, metabolite analysis and data analysis.

• Conduct strain performance analysis in bioreactor.

• Maintain an accurate and detailed electronic scientific logbook of all experiments performed.

• Store all data generated in an organized and secure way, ensuring that others could duplicate results.

• Maintain and support scientific equipment.

• Conduct practical experiments independently meeting the milestones of projects.

• Prepare manuscripts for publication and regularly provide progress reports for projects.

• Participate and present data at group meetings and seminars.

• Attend meetings for timely reporting of research progress to work-lead and supervisor.
• Assist Principal Investigator with training and managing workflow of student scientists.

What is Required:

• A recent PhD (within the last 1-2 years) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Life Sciences and/or a related field.

• Experience with genetic tool development of bacteria, including plasmid construction, DNA transformation, genomic integration and deletions, metabolite and enzyme screening.

• Experience with analytical instruments including High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), plate readers, and spectrophotometers.

• Experience with aseptic techniques and cell culturing.

• Detailed knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, biochemistry and strain engineering strategies.

• Demonstrated analytical skills including identifying and solving problems, developing scientific ideas, and meeting research goals.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals as a first author, and present at conferences.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary research team.

• Have a strong record of first and co-author publication(s).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with aseptic microbial culturing, molecular cloning and strain engineering

• Experience with fermentation and bioprocess development.

• Experience with DNA extraction, metabolite extraction, isolation, structure elucidation (HPLC, LC-MS, GC, and/or GCMS), and reporter gene assays.

• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools for plasmid design, DNA sequence analysis, and function assessment.

• An understanding of biotic C1 uptake systems.

Notes:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing your interest by March 31, 2025.

• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 2 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
• Salary Information: The monthly salary range for this position is $5,562 - $7,003 and is expected to start at $5,841 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• Background Check: 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 Modality: This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608.

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich 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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