The Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute - DOE JGI (a national user facility of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) has an exciting opportunity available for a postdoctoral fellow. As part of a large multidisciplinary research program at the DOE JGI that is relevant to the DOE mission area, the Yoshikuni group seeks to develop a way to investigate plant-microbe interactions using synthetic biology approaches in collaboration with Professor Jeffrey Dangl’s group at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This position will develop a technology to discover and characterize genetic circuits of bacteria involved in recognition of plant root systems, and to redesign and engineer these circuits to help promote plant growth.  

What You Will Do:

• Develop a method to discover and characterize genetic circuits of bacteria involved in recognition of plant root systems and plant physiology.

• Design and build genetic circuits driving expression of genes and pathways with plant growth promoting traits (e.g., N-fixation), transform them into the root-associated microbial community, and test their ability for plant growth promotion using various omics capabilities.

• Integrate multi-omics data to learn how PGP traits are delivered from the root-associated microbial community to plant systems.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. degree in the relevant fields in Microbiology and Synthetic Biology.

• Ability to contribute towards the areas of research under the DOE mission.

• Proficient background in microbial genetics, metabolism, and physiology.

• Proficient background in molecular biology techniques (molecular cloning, DNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, genome sequencing, and RNA sequencing).

• Ability to successfully work in a dynamic team environment (e.g. integrity, trust, teamwork, interpersonal skills, values differences, dealing with change and ambiguity, strategy, and written and oral communication).

• Keep precise and detailed laboratory notebooks.

• Summarize experimental results and present them at the group meeting.

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled.

Notes:

• This is a full time, 1 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 4 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.

• 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.

• Work will be primarily performed at DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) — 2800 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek, CA.

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