Northern California HERC

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division has an opening for a Biologist Research Scientist to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will develop new high-throughput genetic approaches for non-model bacteria and apply these approaches to investigate the physiology, metabolism, and interactions of microorganisms with one another and their environment.

This role includes research within a Department of Energy (DOE) team-funded project, Ecosystems and Networks integrated with Genes and Molecular Assemblies (ENIGMA), where the broad objectives are to provide a mechanistic and predictive understanding of the complex environmental bioprocesses impacting microbial communities in a contaminated site. You will enrich, isolate, and physiologically/genetically characterize the specific taxa that are predicted to be the most important to the observed field processes. An important aspect of this work will be the development of genetic methods that work robustly across phylogenetically diverse bacteria. In addition, this position includes research within a collaborative National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded project which aims to build genetic tools for functionally characterizing diverse members of the human gut microbiota.

What You Will Do:

• Lead research and development activities in microbial genomics focusing on anaerobic and non-model organisms to improve our understanding of their physiology, metabolism, and interactions.
• Apply modern high-throughput cultivation, isolation, and characterization techniques to anaerobic microorganisms, including the use of transposon-site-sequencing and CRISPR-Cas tools.
• Extend existing methods such as random barcodes transposon site sequencing (RB-TnSeq) such that they work effectively in Gram-positive bacteria.
• Integrate genetic data and biochemical characterization to gain mechanistic insights into the physiology of environmental isolates.
• Develop research proposals in response to new funding opportunities.
• Present research at international conferences and publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with other Lab areas on new data analysis techniques and strategic planning.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook of all work performed to ensure that others could duplicate results.
• Participate and lead group meetings.
• Direct and provide mentorship to technical staff/students (2-5 people).

What is Required:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in low and high-throughput bacterial genetics for both aerobic and obligate anaerobic microorganisms beyond the highest customary degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.
• Expertise in protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, including recombinant expression, protein purification and anaerobic assays.
• A strong background in cultivation of large diverse sets of microbes, especially for obligate anaerobic bacteria.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects in parallel while corresponding with scientific collaborators.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to conduct and perform collaborative research and effectively interact with a broad range of colleagues with tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills including proven success in the publication of high-impact work in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with relevant postdoctoral experience in both Microbiology and Biochemistry.
• Experience analyzing large genomic-datasets including transposon-site sequencing data.
• Knowledge in comparative genomics and transcriptome analysis.

Notes:

• For first consideration, please submit a resume by June 23, 2023.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position has a targeted salary range of $96,336 - $154,128 per year for job code S05.2. 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 on site at West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) -- Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., 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 13 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.

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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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