Research Associate / Sr. Research Associate - 92205 Organization: BE-Biological Systems & Eng
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) Biological Systems and Engineering Division (https://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/bse/) has an opening for a Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Demonstration Unit (ABPDU, https://abpdu.lbl.gov/).
The successful candidate will perform semi-routine research assignments across multiple projects. These projects involve fermentation, recovery and purification of biofuels, and bio-based chemicals, proteins, enzymes, and materials and are typically funded collaborations with industry partners, National Labs, and academic institutions.
Essential to success is the command of a broad spectrum of biochemical, chemical engineering unit operations applicable to advanced biofuel, biochemical and protein production. This individual will perform research activities such as preparing timelines, executing tasks documented by SOPs/Batch records, collecting and processing data, and reporting pilot process results for bench and pilot-scale fermentation (2 L to 300 L) and recovery processes (filtration, centrifugation, etc.).
What You Will Do:
- Review and follow safety protocols and systems devised at the ABPDU. Contribute to organizing the lab and sustaining a strong safety culture at the ABPDU.
- Prepare batch records for fermentation and recovery projects at the shake flask, 2L, and 300L scale.
- Perform process development related tasks at 2L scale, including preparing media, batching bioreactors, calibrating equipment, sampling through the process, and operating real time sampling and in-line and off-line analytical equipment such as Flownamics autosampler, YSI, Gallery, etc.
- Perform tasks associated with fermentation process scale-up to 300L and operate continuous and semi-continuous centrifuges.
- Work with multiple recovery unit operations including homogenization, liquid-liquid extraction, tangential flow filtration, preparative chromatography etc.
- Spend more than 80% time being hands-on on the lab floor to operate and troubleshoot equipment and execute upon the various collaborative projects at the ABPDU.
- Perform minimal data analysis and prepare presentations to report findings to collaborators and the larger ABPDU team.
- Work in collaboration with biomass deconstruction and analytical chemistry teams at the ABPDU.
- Be able to work as an individual contributor and as part of a larger team to assist Sr. Process Engineer and guide research assistants and student interns with standard protocols.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:
- Assist with general lab activities such as clean up, waste disposal, purchasing, etc.
What is Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field preferred and up to 2 years of related experience.
- Experience in handling, maintaining, and growing microorganisms during fermentation and recovery/analysis of their products.
- Experience with analytical tools used for fermentation/recovery evaluation.
- Strong computer and verbal and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related areas
- Experience in industrial process development, pilot plant operations, bioengineering, biochemistry, and microbiology skills.
- Strong data management for sample archiving and maintaining good laboratory experimental records.
Notes:
- This is a full time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
- This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
- 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.
- Work will be primarily performed at:
How To Apply
Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=195629 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.
Biological Systems and Engineering Division
Vision: To lead efforts that combine the power of biology with the tools of engineering to develop sustainable energy and biomanufacturing solutions and improve human health.
Mission: Advance a mechanistic and predictive understanding of complex biological systems over multiple scales in terms of their responses to manipulation, stress, disease and environmental challenges and translate this knowledge using engineering principles to develop resilient systems, tools, and processes for the efficient production of fuels, chemicals, materials, tissues, and therapeutics.
Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) 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 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here (https://hr.lbl.gov/).
Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.
