Requisition Id 10400

Overview:

The Biosciences Division (BSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is focused on advancing science and technology to better understand complex biological systems and their relationship with the environment. BSD has the expertise and special facilities in genomics, computational biology, microbiology, microbial ecology, biophysics, structural biology, and plant sciences. Research experiments include large-scale laboratory, greenhouse, and field experimental data acquisition, management, organization, and analysis to derive insight and hypotheses suitable for further experimental validation and to improve researchers’ ability to further advance understanding of biological systems.

The Secure Ecosystem Engineering and Design (SEED, https://seed-sfa.ornl.gov/) science focus area combines expertise in microbiology and plant biology, ecology, genetic engineering, analytical technologies, and computational sciences, with a goal to build a foundational knowledge base of factors that influence microbial invasions success using a suite of laboratory and field experiments. The SEED group is seeking a bacterial synthetic biologist to work on developing next-generation genome engineering tools for non-model soil bacteria to perform high throughput studies. The candidate will be responsible for designing and developing novel strategies to utilize biosensors and synthetic soils to understand microbial establishment in complex soil environments, as well as prevention and control of evolution and horizontal gene transfer. This candidate will be engaged with collaborators to integrate and analyze ‘big data’ to better facilitate iterative biodesign applications.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Perform research in bacterial engineering and development of synthetic biology tools
• Work with a diverse team of scientists
• Interface directly with internal and external partners in various disciplines
• Present research results at national scientific meetings
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Work with staff to develop new proposals
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling
• Take a position of leadership for day-to-day laboratory operations while addressing all of ORNL's environmental health and safety requirements
• Self-assess experimental research skill set and identify weakness and secure learning resources to address these issues
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, molecular biology, or a related field is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with engineering non-model bacteria
• Experience with synthetic biology tools such as CRISPR-Cas, biosensors
• Experience generating and analyzing large datasets
• Effective writing and presentation skills, demonstrated by a strong publication record from previous research
• Desire to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proven publication record

For additional information, contact Dr. Carrie Eckert (https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/carrie-eckert, eckertca@ornl.gov). This position is a full-time assignment, contingent on successful performance and continued funding.

You should apply directly through the ORNL careers website. Applications cannot be accepted through email or any other means.

UT-Battelle is an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and individuals and teams inspire one another to contribute fully to the organization's success. ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.

UT-Battelle offers competitive salaries, excellent health care insurance, generous retirement plans (401k / pension), and other benefits including family leave, educational assistance and wellness programs.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.