What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technician Specialist - Molecular Biology position at Battelle?
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Battelle is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Technician Specialist in Molecular Biology for the National Security Business Unit. This in-person, full-time position is located in Columbus, Ohio. Some domestic and international travel is anticipated.
As a Molecular Biologist, you will assume a pivotal role in conducting cutting-edge research by leveraging your expertise in molecular biology, genetics, cloning, and laboratory automation. The successful candidate will showcase technical leadership and provide support in laboratory studies, including strain engineering, pathway engineering, cell free optimization of pathways, and characterization of proteins and enzymes. Additionally, you will actively identify and capitalize on opportunities to lead projects that enhance capabilities and foster the development of novel technical approaches. This position offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and generating significant contributions to the field.
Responsibilities
- Conduct DNA isolation, purification, and quantification, as well as PCR amplification, Gibson, and Golden Gate cloning.
- Work independently to meet study objectives and deliverable with some oversight
- Support research projects including but not limited to engineering of microorganisms and fungi to produce industrially relevant molecules.
- Developing and leveraging laboratory automation workflows for microbial and genetic circuit characterization
- Support research projects focusing on isolation and identification of novel microorganisms, genes, and proteins from environmental media.
- Analyze multi- omics datasets to identify and characterize feedstock conversion pathways.
- Optimize and develop molecular biology tools with application to microbiological systems.
- Perform data reduction, data review, and data compilation adhering to accepted practices
- Analyze data to identify and troubleshoot test methodologies
- Documentation of draft reports for senior scientists
- Presentation and reporting of progress and results to senior scientists
Some domestic travel is anticipated.
Key Qualifications
- BS in biochemistry or a related field.
- Experience in molecular cloning techniques such as Gibson, Golden Gate, TA, or MoClo cloning methods.
- Proficiency in using cloning software tools such as SnapGene, Geneious, or others
- Experience in cell culture with model organisms (e.g., E. coli, yeast, mammalian cells) or non-model organisms.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Ability to travel.
- Sufficiently medically fit to work in the laboratory and in the field to perform assigned duties.
- U.S. citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as a condition of employment.
- Ability and willingness to work in biological safety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratories
- Good oral and written communication skills
- The ability to work in a team environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working within laboratory quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO17025, GLP).
- Experience with using laboratory automation.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
- Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers
