Berkeley Lab’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI) is looking for a talented Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Secondary Metabolites Science Program!

Microbes produce a wide variety of chemical compounds as secondary metabolites, often exhibiting important biological activities, including interaction with other microbes and plants. However, the majority of secondary metabolites a given microbe is capable of producing have not been discovered in most cases. The JGI is committed to exploring the large chemical and biosynthetic space of secondary metabolites yet to be discovered.

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for developing and testing new functional genomics technologies that will enable rapid and large-scale discovery of secondary metabolites from microbes. You will use a panel of high throughput technologies including genome-wide engineering, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Metabolomics, and DNA synthesis to achieve this goal.

What You Will Do:

• Develop genome-wide mutant library construction and high throughput screening procedures.
• Use NGS-based functional genomics technologies to understand the regulation of secondary metabolism.
• Partner with computational scientists to develop data analysis workflows.
• Cultivate and characterize mutants producing secondary metabolites.
• Design, synthesize, and clone biosynthetic gene clusters and characterize them in multiple hosts.
• Analyze data and report findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at conferences.
• Collaborate with group members in the design and execution of experiments, interpretation of data, and writing of research articles and grant applications.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in molecular genetics in microbes, preferably Actinomycetes or Pseudomonads.
• Must have experience in one of the following areas:
• High throughput characterization of gene functions or mutant libraries
• Demonstrated experience in identification of metabolites and characterization of biosynthetic pathways
• Experience in developing and implementing an NGS-based functional genomics or screening technology
• Strong 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 microbial metabolite identification.
• Experience working with large DNA molecules.
• Experience using automated liquid handling systems.
• Familiarity with analyzing NGS and metabolomics data.

For full consideration, please apply with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter (3 page max) - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (1-2 pages).

Notes:

• The projected start date for this position is on or around April 1, 2023. 
• 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.

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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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