Berkeley Lab’s Biological Systems & Engineering Division (BSE) has an opening for a Biologist Project Scientist to work as part of a diverse and integrated team working on solutions that enable the bioeconomy through the sustainable production of renewable fuels and chemicals.
In this exciting role, you will focus broadly on understanding and optimizing microbial consortia for the production of biofuels and biochemicals derived from C1 feedstocks (CO2, CH4, CH3OH). The focus will be on the realization of a novel non-methanogenic syngas conversion platform technology by engineered acetogenic consortia for product formation via acetate and ethanol to build a flexible C1 bioconversion platform based on a robust engineered/adapted microbial communities with redirected carbon flux towards the desired product.
What You Will Do:
Growth, screening, and analysis of microbial consortia under a variety of nutrient and stress conditions.
Design engineering strategies to improve the metabolic efficiency of central metabolic pathways for the conversion of C1 molecules.
Improve biological production pathways by combining systems biology and biosystem design approaches.
Apply synthetic biology tools for metabolic engineering of acetogenic bacteria to increase titers for targeted natural products within the selected microbiome.
Develop strategies and write grants to obtain additional funding for optimizing and engineering microbiomes.
Train and oversee postdoctoral staff and graduate/undergraduate students to achieve project objectives.
Draft manuscripts describing experimental work.
Present work at scientific conferences.
Present results and discuss plans with funders and key stakeholders.
Participate in group meetings and seminars.
Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed and ensure that others can duplicate results.
What is Required:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience focusing on microbial metabolic engineering and the study and manipulation of microbial consortia beyond the highest customary degree in a related field.
Expertise in growth, screening, analysis, and optimization of microbial consortia.
Experience performing microbial conversion with gas substrates and/or products.
Experience with analytical tools such as HPLC and GC-MS.
Strong computer software skills.
Demonstrated experience writing reviews and articles as it relates to scientific journal writing submissions.
Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to assist in writing grants for external funding to establish independent funding.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating in a multidisciplinary laboratory team environment.
What We Prefer:
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
Experience with metabolic engineering and optimization of microbial consortia to a desired phenotype.
Experience working with acetogenic microbial consortia.
Notes:
For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by September 12, 2022.
This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 3 year, Term appointment with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 5 years total based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
Salary is commensurate with 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 will be performed onsite at the Emery Station Operations Center — 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA.
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 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The Biological Systems & Engineering Division’s vision is to lead efforts that combine the power of biology with the tools of engineering to develop sustainable energy and manufacturing solutions to improve human health.
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.
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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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