Research Associate - 94362 Organization: EB-Environ Genomics & Systems Bio
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology Division has an opening for a Biologist Research Associate (RA) as part of the ENIGMA (https://enigma.lbl.gov/) and the m-CAFEs (https://mcafes.lbl.gov/) Scientific Focus Areas (SFAs) to support interdisciplinary research efforts investigating microbial communities and their impact on elemental cycling and plant health.
The Research Associate will work on an ambitious project to systematically characterize diverse bacteria using high-throughput cultivation, genome sequencing, phenotypic measurements, and large-scale genetics. These data will be used by the SFAs to improve metabolic models of bacteria and to determine the functions of previously uncharacterized genes on a massive scale.
Through this work, the RA will have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art laboratory automation approaches alongside classical microbial cultivation methodologies. In addition, the RA will work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate closely with a diverse team of scientists at LBNL and external institutions.
Lastly, the RA will also perform some semi-routine laboratory tasks such as culture media preparation, procurement of supplies, and general lab maintenance.
What You Will Do: • Growth media preparation. • Construct DNA barcoded transposon mutant libraries in diverse bacteria. • Monitoring of microbial growth and activity in both low and high-throughput. • Phenotypic characterization of bacteria using microplate readers and colorimetric assays. • Prepare samples for next-generation (Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore) sequencing. • Extraction of nucleic acid in low and high-throughput. • Effectively communicate and collaborate with a large team of wet-lab and computational scientists. • Keep a detailed laboratory notebook and upload data in relevant databases. • Participation and reporting in research group meetings. • General lab tasks including procurement and cleaning glassware.
Additional Responsibilities as needed: • Keep abreast of current scientific literature. • Construction of custom DNA plasmids. • Prepare reports and standard operating procedures as requested.
What is Required: • A few years of related experience. • Hands-on experience growing microorganisms. • Good analytical, organizational, and multi-tasking skills. • Proficiency in maintaining laboratory notes and following standard operating procedures. • Good problem-solving skills. • Able and willing to learn and implement new experimentation techniques. • Due to the highly collaborative nature of the position, good interpersonal and communications skills are essential. • Ability to maintain accurate records and keep track of many samples.
Desired Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a biology, chemistry, or engineering field.
• Specific experience with anaerobic microbial cultivation and a background in microbial physiology and/or biochemistry.
• Genetically engineering bacteria.
• Molecular biology experience including DNA cloning and PCR.
• Experience making Illumina sequencing libraries.
• Experience with laboratory automation equipment.
Notes: • This is a full time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. • This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. • Salary will be determined based on range by collective bargaining agreement. • 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 West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) — Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., Berkeley, CA.
How To Apply Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=213201 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.
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