Job Abstract

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join New Lineages of Life Group!

In this exciting role, you will develop innovative approaches to enriching a broad range of bacteria, eukaryotes, and viruses from environmental and clinical samples and optimize strain-resolved sequencing using long read technologies. You will organize results for presentation and viewing by project team members, the wider scientific community, and prepare results for publication in scientific journals.

The JGI’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOEs research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms. This position is headquartered on the Lab’s main site at the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).

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

What You Will Do:

• Test and optimize existing enrichment protocols for a broad range of bacteria, eukaryotes and viruses from environmental and clinical samples, and develop new innovative enrichment methods.
• Sample preparation for metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing using PacBio and Oxford Nanopore technologies.
• Sequence analysis and variant profiling.
• Troubleshoot new experimental processes and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Summarize research results, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to scientific research papers and reports.
• Lead, mentor and train graduate students, technical staff, and other group members as necessary.
• Attend group meetings and present status reports and scientific findings.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and tracking spreadsheets.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-3 years) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Medicine, Virology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with the cultivation of different microbes, viruses and/or cell lines.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extractions, QC, and qRT-PCR.
• Demonstrated data analysis skills including experience using programming languages such as R or Python.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying, problem-solving, and troubleshooting and experimental processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience organizing, preparing, and presenting technical reports and research publications.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with pathogens including biodefense and security applications.
• Experience working with experimental systems including molecular biology techniques for health studies, clinical and pathogen microbiology.
• Experience with microfluidic approaches such as flow cytometry cell sorting, microdroplet encapsulation, and droplet PCR.
• Experience with sample and library preparation for metagenome and metatranscriptome sequencing using Illumina, PacBio, and Oxford Nanopore technologies.
• Experience with standard bioinformatics, statistical methods, and tools (i.e., sequencing databases, assemblers, aligners, and programming languages such as Python or R).

Notes:

• For first consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by July 12, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,643-$6,766 and is expected to start at $5,643-$6,766 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• 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, located at 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.

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community. For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

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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