Synthetic Biology - Postdoctoral Researcher

NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking postdoctoral researcher to conduct research in the field of synthetic biology for biocontainment of genetically modified microorganisms.  You will actively participate in research to develop biocontainment circuits in environmentally relevant bacteria and build and screen libraries for protein redesign. This position is in the Microbial systems or Synthetic biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will

• Conduct fundamental research in microbial synthetic biology.
• Employ state of the art library geneneration and develop high throughput approaches to assay the functionality of protein variants and microbial fitness.
• Employ synthetic biology to implement biological circuits in environmental microorganisms and characterize efficacy in test beds of increasing complexity.
• Engineer microbial communities for robust function.
• Develop research plans, generate results, and publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Work with other scientists to write proposals and expand our program into new areas aligned with your expertise and interests.
• Write reports to funding agencies and participate in scientific conferences.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meeting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a relevant field with a strong emphasis in synthetic biology and microbiology.
• Expertise and knowledge in bacterial genetics and physiology
• Experience in engineering bacterial strains for environmental function. This might include design, assembly, and modeling of genetic circuits.
• Experience with high throughput screening/selection methods
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with microbial evolution approaches (e.g., adaptive laboratory evolution)
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) execution and/or analysis
• Experience with in silico protein design/engineering and/or directed experimental evolution of proteins
• Experience with gene editing in non-model strains (non-E. coli systems).
• Experience with bacterial signaling systems (e.g., two component systems, quorum sensing systems)
• Experience with synthetic microbial communities for bioproduction or environmental application
• Experience in bioinformatics and/or proficiency in programming in one or more of the following languages: Python, Julia, C, C++, R, Java, or Matlab

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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