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Postdoctoral Appointee in Synthetic Biology

Employer
Sandia National Laboratories
Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Salary
DoE
Closing date
Oct 21, 2020

Job Details

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Postdoctoral Scientist to study the interaction of bacteria with noble gases, to use phage-assisted continuous evolution to evolve proteins for biosensing applications, and to engineer and characterize algal strains for biofuel applications. The selected candidate will work in a multidisciplinary department with a team of scientists and researchers who are passionate about attaining success while solving some of societies greatest challenges.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

  • Design genetic constructs for biosensors, CRISPR gene editing, or CRISPR interference
  • Genetically modify bacteriophage and E. coli
  • Genetically modify algae
  • Characterize physiological changes in E. coli
  • Characterize algal strains for biomass production and composition
  • Analyze next-gen sequencing data from phage-assisted continuous evolution studies
  • Participate in laboratory management and mentoring of student interns
  • Write publications and
  • Present results at project meetings and conferences

Department Description:

The Molecular and Microbiology Department sits within the Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Defense and Energy Technologies Center. The Center performs exploratory science and develops technology to address pressing national needs in energy security, homeland security, and national defense. Through extensive partnerships inside and outside Sandia, the Center is focused on understanding and countering natural, traditional and engineered biological threats, as well as on developing alternative lignocellulosic and algal-derived transportation biofuels. The Molecular and Microbiology Department conducts fundamental and applied research in cell biology, immunology, genomics, and microbiology, with a focus on the development and use of innovative bioanalytical technologies such as synthetic biology, nanotechnology, multi-omics, advanced optical imaging, and data analysis tools to advance the understanding of biological systems. Key sponsors include the DOE Office of Science (BER and BES), the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, ARPA-E, DoD, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, DHS, and the NIH.

About Sandia:

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible schedules, generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Required:

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field;
  • Direct, hands-on experience in the following areas: synthetic gene/construct design and cloning, common molecular biology techniques, microbial cultivation, and standard analytical techniques (spectroscopy, microscopy, etc.);
  • Proven record of high technical accomplishment, as evidenced by publication record;
  • Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance.

Desired:

  • Experience with bacteriophage engineering;
  • Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 technology;
  • Experience with analysis of next-gen sequencing data;
  • Experience with cultivation of photosynthetic organisms;
  • The ability to conduct creative, independent research;
  • Strong work ethic;
  • Experience in milestone-driven research;
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

Company

Sandia employs about 8,500 people and manages about $2.3 billion of work annually. We are funded primarily by the U.S. Dept. of Energy with other major funding by the Dept. of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Since 1949, Sandia National Laboratories has developed science-based technologies that support our national security. Today, the nearly 300 million Americans depend on Sandia's technology solutions to solve national and global threats to peace and freedom. Sandia has two main sites; our headquarters are located in Albuquerque, NM. We also have about 900 employees located at Livermore, CA. Both sites conduct leading-edge research to support national defense, homeland security, and our energy infrastructure.

Company info
Telephone
5052833247
Location
PO Box 5800
MS: 1515
Albuquerque
New Mexico
87185
US

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