Research Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's ( ), has an opening for a Research Associate to work in the . Recent advances in 'quantum assisted sensing' have opened exciting new avenues for studying chemical and biological processes with optical resolution and a research collaboration at Berkeley Lab is integrating quantum sensing approaches into cell culturing and microfluidic systems. The Research Associate will perform semi-routine research assignments by assisting in developing experiments to quantify cell-to cell heterogeneity in bioreactors, seeking to obtain time-dependent non-invasive identification, quantification and localization of metabolite intermediates and products in genetically modified microbial species. This work will address fundamental questions in metabolic network rewiring, develop and apply unique chemical imaging methods and ultimately enable more robust biomanufacturing through better sensing.

This is a highly collaborative project and it is expected that the Research Associate will support researchers that will be working with several groups between Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and UC Berkeley. The learnings from these studies will not only be published but also tested with industrial collaborators at the ABPDU.

What You Will Do:

Assist in developing experimental platforms to monitor key metabolic processes in vitro by imaging particular metabolites using a quantum sensing instrument in collaborator laboratories at LBNL.

Expand the platform to work with living bacterial or yeast cells.

Support optical imaging and spectroscopic data acquisition and analysis, including 13C nuclear .magnetic resonance data from microbial populations and single cells.

Support the development of microfluidic platforms that can image live cells from a bioreactor.

What is Required:

1+ years of related experience in laboratory research.

Experience or interest in employing imaging tools as a method to observe phenotypic changes, such as with fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, or cryoEM techniques to help resolve subcellular localization.

Interest in developing quantum imaging tools for biological systems.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented.

Demonstrated ability to interact professionally and productively with other members of the team.

Desired Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, or other relevant fields

Experience or interest in spectroscopic characterization of biomolecules

Experience in prokaryotic protein localization analysis

Notes:

This is a full time 1 year term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Salary will be determined based on range by collective bargaining agreement.

Work will be primarily performed at: - Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA.

Learn about us!

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

(LBNL) 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- .

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 under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click 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.

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