Computational Biologist Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Host Engineering Group, led by Dr. Aindrila Mukhopadhyay, as well as part of the Biofuel and Bioproducts Division at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI).

JBEI is funded as 1 of 4 Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Research Centers (BRC) and seeks to address key challenges in developing robust and scalable microbial processes to produce biofuels and bioproducts from renewable carbon sources. The Host Engineering Group will examine and understand microbial physiology during expression of heterologous or non-natural biosynthetic pathways. Specifically, this position will be involved in using systems biology methods, functional genomics, and genome scale model-based designs to develop production strains spanning multiple microbial hosts, conditions, carbon sources, and final products.

This position has an anticipated start date of March 3, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Examine workflows – primarily computational to model alternate production conditions – such as presence of multiple carbon sources, presence of potential inhibitors, use of high sugars or low O2.
• Use genome scale metabolic models and functional genomics data sets to develop strain engineering designs that enable conversion of a range of carbon sources to final products of interest in JBEI.
• Iterate in computational models to evaluate strain physiology during scale up and other industrially relevant growth conditions to go through Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycles in improving conversion efficiency and stability.
• Increasing the strain capacity maintains high productivity for longer periods of time.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and assist with the development of funding proposals and patents.
• 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 PhD (within the last 1-2 years) in Computational Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related area.
• Experience in functional genomics, synthetic biology, gene regulation and stress response in bacteria.
• Expert knowledge of bioinformatics and computational tools to analyze and model systems biology and high throughput assay data.
• Demonstrated analytical skills including solving problems, developing scientific ideas, and meeting research goals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals as a first author, and present at conferences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse, interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with scientific journal writing submissions and ability to write above average reviews and articles for submission.
• Experience with equipment like bioreactors, liquid handling systems, cell sorters, and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).
• Knowledge in handling microbes such as P. putida including growth, culturing, transformation, gene manipulation, creation of expression systems, and protein purification.

Notes:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing your interest by February 13, 2025.
• Appointment Type: 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.
• Salary Information: The monthly salary range for this position is $7,828 - $8,742 and is expected to start at $7,828 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background Check: 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. As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• Work Modality: This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich 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.