Posting Title
Researcher III – Synthetic Biology and Algae Biotechnology

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Location
CO - Golden

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Position Type
Limited Term (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week
40

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Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our eight employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.

Job Description

The successful candidate will lead efforts in the genomic rewiring of microalgae, and further develop and deploy genetic tools in non-model microalgae. The successful candidate will serve as the technical lead on a project targeting incorporation of orthogonal genomic, transcriptomic, and translational machinery into the chloroplast genome, and subsequent application for novel functionality. Research will include assembly and cloning of heterologous genetic parts, algal strain engineering, CRISPR gene editing, incorporation of orthogonal machinery, verification of functionality (expression and/or enzyme assays), and strain phenotyping and physiology.

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Basic Qualifications
Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates complete understanding and wide application of scientific technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a closely related field plus 1-5 years of postdoctoral research experience with demonstrated output in the form of peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings.
• Research experience in synthetic biology and/or metabolic engineering
• Experience with complex molecular cloning and associated techniques including PCR, plasmid design, DNA isolation, gene editing, and genetic transformation.
• Experience in the sterile cultivation of prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms
• Ability to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines.
• Strong record of quality peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to troubleshoot and overcome barriers to experimental progress.
• Take initiative to set direction and goals for assigned tasks
• Demonstrated ability to follow complex standard operating procedures with attention to detail
• Strong safety record

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with algal-specific genetic transformation methodologies, genetics, and cultivation.
• Experience working with non-model and/or unconventional algal systems, photophysiology, and/or microalgal characterization.
• Extensive synthetic biology experience in heterotrophic microbes that can be transferred to photosynthetic systems.

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Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $77,600 - $139,700

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. NREL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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