Biologist Project Scientist

Berkeley Lab’s is looking for a talented Biologist Project Scientist to work at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and the Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) Division.

While at JGI, you will work as part of the JGI “New Lineage of Life Group” to support efforts on the discovery of new lineages of terrestrial protists. You will lead (i) enrichment, isolation, cultivation, and characterization of protists (ii) single cell sorting of protists for cultivation and sequencing (iii) sample preparation for single cell genomics, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Additionally, you will perform R&D activities such as testing, troubleshooting and optimization of existing protocols and development of new protocols for protist discovery.

While at MBIB, you will provide essential scientific and technical effort for the development of a multimodal imaging approach focused on characterizing microbial plant interactions in the rhizosphere as well as soil microbes. This project aims to link transmission electron microscopy with correlative fluorescent imaging, X-ray microscopy and FIB-SEM. The aim is to understand how specific plant hormones influence the formation of microbial/plant interfaces and how microbes are spatially organized in their environment from the millimeter level down to the nanometer/single cell level.

What You Will Do:

• Grow plant seedlings in custom made devices with defined bacterial cultures.
• Prepare root and soil samples for CLSM, FIBSEM, TEM, multiphoton imaging, and X-ray microscopy.
• Image samples using the previous listed technologies and analyze the imaging data.
• Perform protist isolation from terrestrial samples using existing protocols, optimize existing protocols and establish new innovative protocols.
• Perform protist characterization using different microscopy techniques: nomarski contrast, fluorescence in situ hybridization and other straining techniques combined with confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy including preparation of ultrathin sections.
• Perform protist characterization using fitness assays.
• Conduct microcosm experiments involving protists and other microbial community members.
• Use a wide range of staining techniques for fluorescence activated cell sorting of protists.
• Prepare samples for single cell genomics, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics.
• Troubleshoot new experimental processes and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Summarize research results and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to scientific research papers and reports.
• Lead, mentor and train graduate students, technical staff, and other group members as necessary.

What is Required:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant research and/or professional work experience beyond the highest customary degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, or a related field.
• Experience working with EcoFAB and custom-made imaging devices.
• Experience with protist isolation and cultivation.
• Experience with microscopy techniques including light microscopy, X-ray microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, multiphoton fluorescence microscopy as well as confocal laser scanning microscopy.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including fluorescence in situ hybridization,PCR, nucleic acid extractions, low-input sequencing library preparation.
• Strong analytical skills including problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to troubleshoot complex experimental processes and provide analysis.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to establish relationships and collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present technical reports, prepare research for publication and funding for proposals.

What We Prefer:

• PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, or a related field.
• Experience with the IMG & IMG/MER system.
• Experience with microfluidic approaches such as flow cytometry cell sorting, microdroplet encapsulation and droplet PCR.
• Experience with bacterial cell culture.
• Experience with paired metatranscriptomic/metagenomic analyses.
• Experience with large-scale data analysis (e.g., integrated analysis of > 50 datasets).

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume by October 3, 2022.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year (benefits eligible) 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 Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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