Post Doctorate RA - Algal Biology and Genomics
Job Description
The Biological Sciences Division at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with expertise in algal genomics, biotechnology and physiology to conduct cutting-edge research in algal strain engineering for sustainable bioenergy and biochemical production. The selected candidate will perform experiments to discover key genetic determinants underpinning algal fitness, biomass and lipid productivity and resistance to stress in industrial and environmental settings. The research will integrate methods from high-throughput mutagenesis, directed evolution, genomics (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) as well as cultivation approaches for industrially relevant strains that are used in outdoor cultivation. This approach requires significant planning, organization, coordination, and communication. The candidate should expect to spend time performing high-throughput experiments, independently analyze and communicate results to the principal investigator, lead manuscript writing, mentor research associates, and work closely with both PNNL staff and external collaborators in a multi-disciplinary environment. The candidate will also have opportunities to develop new research elements aligned with their interests, within the context of a broader algal biofuels research program that includes collaboration between PNNL and external collaborators including domestic and foreign academic institutions and industrial partners.
This is a full-time position anticipated to last 3 years (contingent on performance) starting in the Winter of 2020-2021. Applications shall be submitted online at jobs.pnnl.gov. When prompted to upload a résumé, please provide a single PDF file containing (1) a cover letter of 1 to 2 pages summarizing research interests and qualifications, including experience with algal genomics and engineering approaches, a possible start date at PNNL, and (2) a CV listing past employment, education and research experiences, skills related to the qualifications listed below, publications, and contact information of three references.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications
The preferred candidate will have received a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical/biomedical engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university. He or she will have demonstrated the ability to develop, lead, and safely execute research projects. A record of independent contributions to research programs, experience carrying experiments from design to manuscripts, and potential for project leadership roles is strongly desired. The preferred candidate will have a strong publication record in a relevant scientific field and the proven ability to collaborate effectively on teams. He or she will possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. Desirable technical skills include photosynthetic cultivation including batch and continuous regimes, genomic analysis, experience with high-throughput sequencing and analysis (Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore), strain mutagenesis and analysis as well as cell density and fluorescence assays via microtiter plate reader and cytometer.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Battelle Memorial Institute (BMI) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All BMI staff must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. BMI is an E-Verify employer. Learn more at jobs.pnnl.gov.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via https://jobs.pnnl.gov/help.stm
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.