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 postdoctoral researcher to conduct important research in the fields of synthetic biology and protein design. You will work collaboratively to experimentally evaluate cutting-edge tools to totally redesign bacterial proteins and explore sequence-function landscapes unseen by evolution. You will help develop and use an integrated computational and high-throughput experimental pipeline with high diversity protein variant libraries. The ideal candidate will have both experimental and computational expertise. This position will be advised by Dr. Sean Leonard in the Synthetic Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

You will

• Work as part of a team to conduct fundamental research in microbial synthetic biology and protein design.
• Use a variety of protein design tools to generate new, sequence-diverse proteins with desired functions.
• Use state of the art gene synthesis approaches to produce gene libraries.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and validate high throughput approaches to assay the function of computationally-designed protein variants.
• Read and evaluate relevant scientific literature.
• 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 meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a relevant field with an emphasis in synthetic biology, microbiology, or protein biochemistry.
• Documented publication record with at least 1 first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Experience with high throughput experimental screening and selection methods in bacteria.
• Experience in library-scale cloning and engineering bacterial strain and other common molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques
• Ability to develop and complete independent research.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and to effectively present and explain technical information.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with computational protein design or enzyme engineering (e.g., rationale design and/or directed evolution).
• Experience in bioinformatics and/or proficiency in programming in one or more of the following: Python, R, UNIX command-line tools, or similar.
• Experience with the preparation and analysis of short- (Illumina) or long- (Nanopore) read sequencing libraries.
• Experience with laboratory automation (design or use of molecular biology protocols with liquid handling robots).
• Experience with biochemical investigation and characterization of protein function and activity.

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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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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