Biological Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow

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

 

In this exciting role, you will focus on metabolic engineering and metabolic modeling of chemoautotrophic bacteria to produce commercially relevant Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF’s) from CO2 . This work will be performed as part of the national CO2 consortium through the BioEnergy Technology Office of the US Department of Energy and will be performed at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) and the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) located in Emeryville, CA.

 

What You Will Do:

• Engineer chemoautotrophic bacteria to produce terpenes.
• Grow engineered bacteria on H2 /CO2 /CO mixtures in safe and controlled settings.
• Work with in-house teams to execute proteomics and metabolomics experiments.
• Use chromatography methods to evaluate strain output of bioproducts.
• Work with collaborators to develop industrially relevant engineered strains.
• Help PI develop reports and presentations for project sponsors.
• Draft manuscripts describing experimental work for publication.
• Assist PI with training and oversight of the workflow of other technical staff, GSRAs and Student Assistants.
• Participate in group meetings and seminars.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed.  Ensure that others could duplicate results.

 

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Expertise in molecular biology and metabolism.
• Experience with analytical tools such as HPLC and GC-MS.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to write grant proposals and establish independent funding.
• Experience with scientific journal writing submissions and ability to write above average reviews and articles for submission.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience growing bacteria on gas substrates.
• Experience in metabolic modeling and computational methods.
• Experience in entrepreneurship or commercialization.

 

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab’s Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

 

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 years, 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.

 

Based on University of California Policy – SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

 

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:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.