Technical Professional in Synthetic Biology (Part-Time)

Requisition Id 12194 

Overview: 

The Synthetic Biology Group in the ORNL Biosciences Division is seeking a half-time microbiologist to work on multi-institutional projects aimed at developing genetic tools and engineering non-model microbes to convert renewable or waste carbon into fuels and chemicals to replace those currently derived from petroleum.

Waste plastic, cellulose, and lignin are potentially cheap feedstocks for the synthesis of these products. Non-model microbes have novel capabilities that are not currently available in traditional production strains, and we aim to understand and leverage these traits for advanced bioproduction. The primary objective of these projects will be to generate genetic tools for a range of microorganisms that have the potential to serve as host chassis systems for industrial bioprocessing, and then apply these tools to engineer organisms for high titer, rate, and yield production of target molecules. Examples of organisms include Clostridium thermocellum, Pseudomonas putida, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Megasphaera elsdenii, Clostridium ljungdahlii, and novel microbes that consume monomers from various plastics. Projects are available within the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (cbi.ornl.gov), the Agile BioFoundry (agilebiofoundry.org), the BOTTLE Consortium (bottle.org), and other projects.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

The successful candidate will apply skills in bacterial cultivation, plasmid vector design, DNA cloning, synthetic biology, strain construction, physiological characterization, and systems biology (‘omics) techniques to investigate microbial physiology and develop bacterial strains for potential use as industrial biocatalysts. You will also design and execute laboratory experiments, maintain detailed and accurate records, analyze quantitative data, and communicate results to the scientific community through presentations and publications. These consortia are multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary projects that requires a team-oriented, collaborative spirit.

• Design, implement, and deliver R&D solutions with applications to genetic tool development, genetic engineering in non-model organisms, metabolic pathway discovery, systems biology, etc.
• Assist in the publication of scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Present results both informally (e.g., in internal project meetings) and formally to sponsors or research peers (e.g., conferences)
• Mentor less experienced staff members, students, or interns
• Maintain a culture of continued learning
• Work with a diverse team of scientists
• Interface directly with internal and external partners in various disciplines
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Maintain detailed and accurate records 
• Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling 
• Take a position of leadership for day-to-day laboratory operations while addressing all of ORNL’s environmental health and safety requirements 
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Masters or Ph.D. degree in microbiology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field is required. 
• Experience with microbial molecular genetics, preferably in non-model bacteria
• Excellent writing and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Experience with anaerobic microorganisms

Project Hire: This position is a half-time assignment, contingent on successful performance and continued funding.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

Relocation:  Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [email protected].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.