Postdoctoral Scholar - Fermentation Science - California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3 Berkeley)

The Keasling Lab at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar in Fermentation Science. In this position, the Postdoctoral Scholar will develop continuous bio catalysis processes featuring microbial strains with switchable metabolism to enable continuous, demand-responsive biomanufacturing. This position will report to Prof. Jay Keasling and will conduct experimental work primarily at the ABPDU under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Sundstrom - LBNL staff scientist and ABPDU Fermentation group leader. The Postdoctoral Scholar will play an integral role as the primary Fermentation researcher in a new project featuring an interdisciplinary team of strain engineers, analytical chemists, and technoeconomic experts. At the project endpoint, the research team targets execution of continuous fermentation trials featuring 16 products produced in sequence using a single microbial strain. In addition to engagement with the project team, the Postdoctoral Scholar will gain experience with state-of-the-art bioprocess technologies and expertise at the ABPDU, including continuous fermentation platforms and the Sartorius Ambr250 automated bioreactor platform.

Responsibilities of the position may include:

• Design, execution, and analysis of complex fermentation experiments utilizing high-throughput and automated experimental platforms.
• Development and deployment of reactor systems enabling long-term continuous bioreactor operation.
• Development of novel protocols to analyze metabolic and bioprocess impacts of frequent product switching during bio catalysis.
• Preparation of research progress reports, internal research updates, and assistance with grant proposal development.
• Presentation of results in peer reviewed journals and via presentations at national and international academic conferences.

Lab: https://keaslinglab.lbl.gov/

School: https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/jay-keasling

PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program (or equivalent international degree program)

• PhD (or equivalent international degree) by the start date.
• No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.

• PhD in chemical engineering, bioengineering, environmental engineering, or a related field.

• Hands on experience with fermentation process development and bioreactor operation.

• Experience in microbial cultivation and analytical characterization of microbial metabolism.

• Experience with analytical techniques including GC, HPLC, and light microscopy.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team effort.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity 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.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
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