Plant Molecular Biology Senior Research Associate

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB ) Division has an opening for a Senior Research Associate to join the Plant Group within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE ) funded Restoration of Soil Carbon by Precision Biological Strategies (RESTOR-C) Energy Earthshot Research Center.

 

In this role, you will perform molecular and metabolite characterization of sorghum lines developed by the research group. Plant lines will be analyzed through genotyping by PCR, RT-PCR, metabolite profiling, determination of biomass composition, and measurement of growth parameters. This position will involve the use of fabricated ecosystems to study root phenotypes, root exudates, and soil carbon in collaboration with the other RESTOR-C research groups. The overall goal will be to select the most promising sorghum lines for future evaluation under field growth conditions. You will assist with the day-to-day lab management by supporting the root engineering effort of the research team including the maintenance of common lab equipment and the growing of sorghum lines at the UC Berkeley Greenhouse .

 

This position has an anticipated start date of March 1, 2024.

 

What You Will Do:

• Perform experiments using standard techniques of molecular biology, including extraction and manipulation of DNA and RNA, gel electrophoresis, PCR, RT-PCR, and transformation of E. coli, Agrobacterium, and plants. 
• Design DNA constructs for sorghum transformation. 
• Maintain a well-documented laboratory electronic notebook (Google spreadsheets, Google docs).
• Grow and phenotype sorghum plants in fabricated ecosystems. 
• Propagate sorghum plants in the greenhouse, including planting and harvesting biomass and seeds. 
• Grinding and archiving of biomass samples and seeds. 
• Metabolite extraction from plant samples and HPLC measurements (aromatics, sugars).
• Preparation of samples for LC-MS analysis. 
• Preliminary lignin and polysaccharide analyses of biomass samples (Klason method, pyrolysis-GC/MS). 
• Analyze saccharification assays. 
• Assist in the day-to-day lab management by ordering, conducting inventory maintenance, and performing waste management. 
• Collaborate and share samples with researchers from Soil and Microbial Groups at RESTOR-C, as well as external collaborators. 
• Train and provide guidance to new employees in the research group. 
• Maintain common lab equipment (e.g., Knife-mills, solvent extractor, pyrolysis-GC/MS, HPLC).

 

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, or a related discipline and a minimum of 2 years of experience in plant molecular biology techniques or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience growing monocot model plants (Setaria) and crops (sorghum).
• Experience with preliminary plant biomass analyses including secondary metabolites, saccharification, and lignin measurements.
• Experience using equipment including pH meters, centrifuges, autoclaves, balances, and solvent extractors.
• Experience running samples on analytical equipment including HPLC and pyrolysis-GC/MS.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience maintaining detailed and accurate record-keeping of daily laboratory operations.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work autonomously and as part of a diverse collaborative team.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology or a related discipline.
• Experience with plants including transformation, growing on different media, and preparing samples from different tissues. 
• Experience with plant transient expression systems including tobacco. 
• Experience handling microbes including Agrobacterium and E. coli. 
• Experience with fabricated ecosystems including EcoFABs. 
• Experience with synthetic microbial communities and 16s rRNA sequencing. 

 

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a resume by January 30, 2024.
• This is a full-time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 18 month (benefits eligible), Term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• This position is expected to pay $64,056 - $81,600 per year for job code 381.2, which fits within the full salary range of $64,056 - $99,132 per year. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and 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.
• Work will primarily be performed onsite at Emeryville Station East (ESE) — Bldg. 978 located at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. This position may require some travel to the University California Berkeley Greenhouse located at 1751 Walnut Street Berkeley, CA 94709.

 

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