Biologist Project Scientist

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB ) Division has an opening for a Biologist Project Scientist to work with the main Principal Investigator (PI) to support high-throughput phenotyping and genetics efforts as part of several major projects including the Phage Foundry, Ecosystems & Networks Integrated with Genes & Molecular Assemblies (ENIGMA ), and Microbial Community Analysis & Functional Evaluation in Soils (m-CAFES ). 

 

In this role, you will contribute ideas and perform experiments to push the deliverables on the entire experimental operation. This work includes phage isolations to phage and bacterial culture preparation, generation of phage-host, phage-antibiotic/metal interaction matrix, generation of loss-of-function and overexpression libraries, barcoded libraries, phage cocktail formulation assessments, In vitro and In vivo fitness assays, phage evolution and phage engineering projects. In collaboration with other team members, this position will study phage/antibiotic combinations in animal models or plant model systems and perform data analysis.

 

This position has an anticipated start date of January 15, 2024.

 

What You Will Do:

• Develop and apply high-throughput genetic tools in diverse bacteria to identify previously uncharacterized genes involved in metabolism, gene regulation, stress response, interactions with hosts and other microbes, and bacteriophage sensitivity.
• Use high-throughput cultivation on enrichment cultures and bacterial isolates to measure inhibitory concentrations of stressors (including antibiotics and metals).
• Use computational genomic approaches to infer phenotypes from genome sequences of diverse bacteria.
• Provide training and guidance to early career staff members including Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, and Students in analyzing and interpreting data, preparing manuscripts, reviewing papers, and preparing conference presentations.
• Take the lead in writing annual reports to the funding agency.
• Work closely with the computational analytics team to produce unified literature, datasets, and visual presentation of the datasets.
• Present the team's findings in conferences and peer-reviewed journals in addition to seeking out and acquiring extramural funding.

 

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years of relevant experience beyond the highest customary degree.
• Experience performing large scale experimental preparations of bacterial pathogens and phage isolations.
• Experience developing approaches for data-driven design of experiments that use high throughput screening and genomics to quantify host-phage interaction.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing multiple projects and in corresponding with scientific collaborators. 
• Experience training and directing the work of technical support staff or students.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including a strong record of publication, experience in the preparation of grant applications, and presentation of scientific manuscripts, reports, and research posters.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience performing collaborative research, and representing and promoting scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to write proposals and obtain funding. 

 

Notes:

• For first consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by December 29, 2023.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year (benefits eligible), Term appointment with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 3 years total based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. 
• This position has a targeted salary range of $111,000 - $122,400 per year for job code S05.P. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• 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.
• This position will be performed onsite at the West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter Street Berkeley, CA 94710.

 

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

 

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

 

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:

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