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Job Description
Note: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.
We are seeking a highly motivatedPostdoctoral Researcherto conduct research in synthetic biology for critical metal recovery and protein design.The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental and applied research that leverages synthetic biology for critical metal recovery and/or bioremediation. This work will involve identifying characterizing and engineering novel proteins and pathways under the guidance of senior scientific staff. This position is in the Synthetic Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will
Conduct fundamental and applied research in microbial synthetic biology for environmental and resource recovery applications using established and innovative experimental approaches.
Develop and execute high throughput assays to evaluate the functionality of protein variants and analyze resulting data with guidance as needed.
Design research plans generate and analyze results and contribute to publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Present research outcomes at conferences seminars and technical meetings with increasing independence.
Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders and assist with research proposals as appropriate.
Pursue independentbut complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally within and outside the Laboratory.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
PhD in Microbiology Synthetic Biology Biochemistry Bioengineering or a related field emphasizing genetic engineering and molecular biology.
Strong background in bacterial physiology and strain engineering for environmental or industrial applications demonstrated through doctoral research publications or equivalent experience.
Experience in library-scale cloning and engineering bacterial strains and other common molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques.
Experience with high throughput experimental screening and selection methods in bacteria.
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Qualifications We Desire
Experience with protein design/engineering or microbial evolution techniques (e.g. adaptive laboratory evolution).
Experience with computational protein design or enzyme engineering such as rational design and/or directed evolution.
Proficiency in bioinformatics or scientific programming (e.g. Python C C++R JavaMatlab).
Expertise in metalloprotein biochemistry and/or metal homeostasis including metal sensing metal transport or metal storage mechanisms.
Pay:$123048 Annually
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.
None required.However if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 3112 generally prohibits citizens of China Russia Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
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