Postdoctoral Fellow (Algal SynBio Design)

Berkeley Lab’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI) is looking for a talented Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Genome-encoded Biomaterials Group led by Dr. Crysten Blaby-Haas!

 

To address the double threat of global warming and economic vulnerability, a promising solution is to leverage the natural capabilities of microalgae to capture CO2 and convert this greenhouse gas into chemicals that can replace fossil fuels and fossil fuel-based products. Microalgae use solar energy to capture and convert CO2 , grow quickly, and do not compete with food crops for land. However, there continue to be substantial limitations in the photosynthetic production of bioproducts from microalgae, resulting in unpredictable performance, low productivity, and high costs. We propose the use of integrative systems and synthetic biology of emerging model algal systems to overcome these challenges.

 

In this exciting role, you will spearhead a create-with-SynBio project and work collaboratively with a large, multi-disciplinary, team of researchers focused on algal redesign.

 

What You Will Do:

• Analyze sequence data derived from sources such as RNA-seq and comparative genomics for gene discovery.
• Design pathway reconstructions and synthetic metabolic circuits.
• Assist in designing and executing experiments, interpreting data, and writing research articles and grant applications.
• Report findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at conferences.
• Work independently and as a member of interdisciplinary research teams.
• Interact with internal and external collaborators, including participation in frequent team-update discussions.

 

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with bioinformatics, including functional annotation and analyzing protein sequence relationships.
• Experience analyzing RNA-seq and whole-genome sequencing data.
• Knowledge of Microbial, Plant and/or Algal Biochemistry, Genetics, Metabolism, and Physiology.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to efficiently organize technical information for publication and presentation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with diverse technical and scientific staff within a dynamic and collaborative interdisciplinary team environment.

 

What We Prefer:

• Experience in Algal Genomics.
• Experience in redesigning lipid biosynthesis, photosynthesis, and/or carbon metabolism.
• Experience in coding (e.g., Python, MATLAB, and/or R).

 

For full consideration, please apply by October 15, 2022 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter – Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

 

Notes:

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes with predetermined postdoctoral step rates dependent on years of experience post-degree.
• 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.
• This position will be performed on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, 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 14 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

 

The JGI ’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOE”s research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms.

 

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

 

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 of Full Vaccination 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.