Host Engineering Research Scientist

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Research Scientist to join the Host Engineering research team led by Dr. Aindrila Mukhopadhyay at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) located in Emeryville, CA.

In this exciting role, you will develop key facultative microbial biotechnology hosts for conversion of lignocellulosic carbon sources to biofuels and bioproducts. Specifically, this project has two main goals. 1.) Mount a comprehensive systems biology campaign around the valued industrial host Corynebacterium glutamicum. 2.) Examine the role of oxygen availability in bioproduction workflows.

You will generate extensive strains libraries, samples, functional genomics data and conduct systems biology analysis to aid in improved understanding of engineered strains, and in developing designs for strain engineering. Engineered and modified strains will be examined under a variety of cultivation modes including a range of oxygen mixing and scales using multi-omics methods. The resulting systems biology data will be used to develop biodesign approaches to build host chassis that can maintain production phenotype in a stable and reliable manner for longer periods of time in cultivation, lower costs and in regimes required for industrial scale-up and production.

This position has an anticipated start date of September 1, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Develop a comprehensive program around key facultative microbes with a specific focus on Corynebacterium glutamicum.
• Generate strain libraries using lab evolution, host and pathway engineering.
• Examine strains in a range of cultivation modes and regimes to collect growth and production data, and samples for multi-omics experiments (RNAseq, resequencing, protein and metabolite analysis).
• Conduct systems biology analysis to model strain across a large range of conditions, hydrolysates, mutation libraries and production pathways.
• Collaborate extensively with teams conducting research in iModulons, ALE to develop knowledge sets for C. glutamicum (e.g., JBEI partners at University of California San Diego).
• Identify genetic modifications, pathway variants, media components and parameters required to improve strain performance and stability during scale-up and using industrially relevant parameters such as carbon sources and O2 levels.
• Work with the Technoeconomic Analysis (TEA) / Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) team to assess impact of strain and process improvements.
• Develop tools to deploy genetic modifications and biodesign strategies in key microbial hosts, including methanotrophs and betaproteobacteria.
• Participate in group meetings and seminars.
• Lead the development and authorship of peer-reviewed publications.
• Lead the development and submission of proposals to internal and external funding opportunities.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed.
• Serve as work lead and mentor of postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and research assistants in the project.

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field and minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working with biotechnology applications and the development of microbiomes and microbial systems or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with C. glutamicum and related industrial hosts.
• Experience with media optimization and use of real-world hydrolysates.
• Experience with bioreactors such as AMBR250 and Eppendorf dasgip reactors, GC-MS, HPLC.
• Experience working in collaboration with user-facilities and other computations / analytical teams.
• Experience undertaking a mechanistic evaluation of regulation and transcription in biological systems.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated record of publication and a successful record of grant writing.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience promoting and presenting scientific projects to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a variety of scientific, operations, and technical teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in a national lab environment.
• Experience working as a Postdoctoral Fellow in a related research field.

Notes:

• Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter describing your interest by June 25, 2025.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay, 2 year (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.
• Salary Information: This position is expected to pay $81,076 - $129,737 per year for job code S05.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. 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.
• Background Check: 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 Modality: This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) - Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.