Postdoctoral Research Associate- Microbial Synthetic

Requisition Id 14196 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver ground-breaking solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Synthetic Biology Group in the Biosciences Division (BSD), Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to develop genetic tools for non-model microorganisms to enable genome engineering in energy- and climate-relevant microbial systems. These tools accelerate our ability to interrogate genotype-phenotype relationships to build the fundamental knowledge of these microbial systems and provide design rules to address key challenges to enable a sustainable, low-carbon bioeconomy. Our capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.

In this position, you will develop genetic engineering tools for non-model microbes, such as 1) anaerobic members of microbial communities to enable the engineering of microbes in the cow rumen, and 2) other non-model microbial organisms for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals from waste plastic or lignocellulosic biomass. Examples include development of transformation methods, development of gene expression “genetic parts”, and utilization of CRISPR-Cas and recombineering systems to enable multiplex, targeted manipulation of the genome. As needed, you will delete or over express genes, validate the responsible genetic changes, characterize the impact on cell physiology, and link the genotypes to specific phenotypes of interest using Next Generation Sequencing, Systems Biology, and other approaches.

You will be expected to integrate with technical support staff, as well as expert collaborators in microbiology, systems biology, bioinformatics, bacterial physiology, and analytical chemistry at ORNL and at partner institutions. You will also craft and complete laboratory experiments, analyze quantitative data, and write and communicate results to the scientific community.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform molecular genetics, synthetic biology, and related experiments
• Work with a diverse team of scientists
• Interface directly with internal and external partners in various subject areas
• Present research results at national scientific meetings
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• 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
• Self-assess experimental research abilities and identify weakness and secure learning resources to address these issues
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program 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 encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Microbiology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with microbiology, synthetic biology, and molecular genetics, preferably including non-model bacteria
• Experience growing and genetically modifying anaerobic bacteria is desirable
• Experience analyzing large datasets, including sequencing and ‘omics data
• Proven publication record
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• 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

For additional information, contact Dr Adam Guss (https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/adam-m-guss; email address gussam@ornl.gov) or Dr Carrie Eckert (https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/carrie-eckert; email address eckertca@ornl.gov).

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

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 asked to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

Benefits:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate outstanding work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.