Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE ) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Biodesign Group.

In this role, you will develop and optimize lignin depolymerization enzymes and pathways in Pseudomonas putida, integrating and developing technologies into carbon-optimized strains for biofuel synthesis. The project will use high throughput screening methods and may involve protein engineering.

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

What You Will Do:

• Engineer Pseudomonas putida using cutting-edge genome engineering techniques.

• Grow engineered bacteria on lignin in controlled environments.

• Develop high-throughput screening methods for lignin depolymerization.

• Work with in-house teams to execute proteomics and metabolomics experiments.

• Use chromatography/MS methods to evaluate strain performance.

• Work with collaborators to develop industrially relevant engineered strains.

• Support Principal Investigators (PIs) by developing reports and presentations for project sponsors.

• Draft manuscripts describing experimental work.

• Assist PIs with training and oversight of the workflow of other technical staff, graduate student research assistants, and student assistants.

• Participate in group meetings and seminars.

• Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed.  Ensure that others could duplicate results.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-3 years) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields.

• Expertise in metabolism and synthetic biology.

• Experience with analytical tools including HPLC and GC-MS.

• Strong computer skills including proficiency in MS Excel, Google Docs, SnapGene, Prism, etc.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals, and present at conferences.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with automation.

• Experience using Python/R or other coding languages, specifically in the context of metabolic flux analysis.

Notes:

• For first consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by November 3, 2023.

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,643-$6,766 and is expected to start at $5,643 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• 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 the Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) — 

• Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA 94608.

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.

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.

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:

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