Systems Biology Postdoctoral Employee
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Associate to join the team.
The Postdoctoral Associate will focus on microbial functional genomics. In this position, the Postdoctoral Associate will have the opportunity to develop new genetic tools for non-model bacteria, including those from the plant rhizosphere, groundwater, and the human gut microbiota; and apply these tools to characterize microbial gene function on a massive scale. Recent example of tools developed by our team includes random barcode transposon site sequencing (RB-TnSeq; PMID 2596844), dual barcoded shotgun expression library screening (Dub-seq; PMID 30659179), and magic pools for parallel testing of genetic systems in bacteria (PMID 29359196). In this position, the Postdoctoral Associate will have the opportunity to expand these existing tools to currently recalcitrant bacteria, but also to develop new approaches including those based on CRISPR-Cas, genetic interactions, and large-scale expression of heterologous DNA in diverse hosts.
In addition, the Postdoctoral Associate will have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of LBNL-based and external collaborators, including those in the ENIGMA and m-CAFEs Scientific Focus Areas (SFAs).
What You Will Do:
- Culture and genetically engineer diverse bacteria, including Gram-positives and obligate anaerobes.
- Generate and analyze large-scale genetic datasets.
- Design and construction of DNA plasmids.
- Infer the functions of previously uncharacterized genes and pathways in diverse bacteria using high-throughput genetics data.
- Write manuscripts.
- Present findings at scientific meetings.
- Effectively communicate and collaborate with a large team of experimental and computational scientists.
- Keep a detailed laboratory notebook and upload data in relevant databases.
- Participation and reporting in research group meetings.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:
- Participate in writing progress reports.
- Assist in proposal writing.
What is Required:
- Ph.D. in a biology, chemistry, or engineering field.
- Creative thinking to develop new genetic tools.
- Ability to rapidly solve problems and troubleshoot experimental challenges.
- Hands-on experience in molecular genetics, including the design and construction of DNA plasmids.
- Ability to analyze large datasets including next-generation sequencing data.
- Ability to work well in a team setting.
- Culturing microorganisms.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience culturing anaerobic bacteria.
- Programming experience.
- Experience with liquid handling robots.
- Hands-on experience with CRISPR-Cas tools, heterologous expression in bacterial hosts, or transposon mutagenesis.
Notes:
- This is a full-time 3 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 2 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- 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 West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., Berkeley, CA.
Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.
Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global 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.
Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:
Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.