Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB ) Division has an opening for a Project Scientist to join the team as part of the Phage Foundry team that aims to establish high-throughput platform for rapid design and development of countermeasures to combat drug-resistant pathogens.

In this role, you will work with the main Principal Investigator (PI) to manage deliverables on the Phage Foundry project. This includes contributing ideas and performing experiments to push the deliverables on the entire experimental operation. Experimental work includes phage isolations to phage and bacterial culture preparation, generation of phage-host, phage-antibiotic/metal interaction matrix, generation of loss-of-function and overexpression libraries, barcoded libraries, phage cocktail formulation assessments, In vitro and In vivo fitness assays, phage evolution and phage engineering projects. Working with other team members, you will study phage/antibiotic combinations in animal models or plant model systems and perform data analysis. 

You will have the opportunity to train early career staff members including Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, and Students in analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts, reviewing papers, preparing conference presentations, and taking the lead in writing annual reports to the funding agency. Working closely with the computational analytics team, you will produce unified literature, datasets, and visual presentation of the datasets. You will be expected to present the team's findings in conferences and peer-reviewed journals in addition to seeking out and acquiring extramural funding.

This position has an anticipated start date of October 1, 2023.

What You Will Do:

• Establish standard procedures and approaches for data-driven design of experiments that use high throughput screening and genomics to quantify host-phage interaction.  
• Develop novel approaches to elucidate discover mechanisms of host/phage interaction through use of bar-coded genetic libraries, phage engineering and laboratory evolution.  
• Manage the interaction between Phage Foundry experimental and computational team members to design experiments such that the data developed can be used to predict phage modifications and phage cocktail compositions most likely to meet performance goals (suppression of growth and evolutionary escape) of target pathogen populations.
• Provide strategic planning with the PIs about research programs for continued funding. 
• Present research at international conferences and publish in highly visible, peer-reviewed journals.
• Provide training and guidance to early career staff including Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associates, Technicians, and Students.
• Collaborate and develop strong working relations with relevant teams on experimental design, data analysis, and long-term project planning. 
• Ensure all data and models are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) and well-documented. 
• Maintain a comprehensible and trackable laboratory/computational notebook so that the provenance of data and analysis can be proven and troubleshot. 
• Ensure accessibility of reports, protocols, presentations, and manuscripts for the larger program.

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience serving in a Postdoctoral Fellow position or equivalent industry experience in a similar level role.
• Experience performing large scale experimental preparations of bacterial pathogens and phage isolations.
• Experience developing approaches for data-driven design of experiments that use high throughput screening and genomics to quantify host-phage interaction.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing multiple projects and in corresponding with scientific collaborators. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including a strong record of publication, experience in the preparation of grant applications, and presentation of scientific manuscripts, reports, and research posters.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience performing collaborative research, and representing and promoting scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in training and supervising others.
• Demonstrated ability to write proposals and obtain funding. 

Notes:

• For full consideration, please submit a resume by September 25, 2023.
• 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. 
• This position has a targeted salary range of $79,488 - $127,188 per year for job code S05.P. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
• 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 onsite at either the West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., Berkeley, CA 94710.

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 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

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.