OverviewThe Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.
ResponsibilitiesThe Biological Sciences Division (BSD) at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with expertise in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering to conduct cutting-edge metabolic engineering research for sustainable production of platform chemicals. The selected candidate will perform experiments to discover and dynamically control the mechanisms through which protein post-translational modifications affect bacterial phenotypes such as production of industrial chemicals. The research will integrate methods from high-throughput culturing, high-throughput genetics, multi-omics integration, metabolic pathway engineering, and synthetic biology to characterize and engineer non-model microbial hosts that produce sustainable chemicals. This approach requires significant planning, organization, coordination, and communication. The candidate will be expected to perform high-throughput experiments, independently analyze and communicate research results to the principal investigator, lead manuscript writing, mentor research associates, and work closely with both PNNL staff and external collaborators in a multi-disciplinary environment. If hired, the candidate will be encouraged to develop new research elements aligned with their interests and within the context of a broader biosystems design research program that includes collaboration between PNNL and other national laboratories, academic institutions, and industrial partners.
This is a full-time postdoc position anticipated to last 3 years (contingent on funding availability and performance) starting in early 2025.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related engineering field from an accredited college or university.
- Ability to develop, lead, and safely execute research projects.
- A strong publication record in a relevant scientific field and the proven ability to collaborate effectively on teams.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
- A record of independent contributions to research programs, experience carrying experiments from design to manuscripts, and potential for project leadership roles is strongly desired.
- Relevant technical skills include metabolic pathway engineering or discovery, genome engineering (lambda Red, CRISPR/Cas), multi-fragment DNA assembly (Golden Gate, Gibson Assembly), experience with DNA-based biosensors, high-throughput sequencing and analysis (Illumina, PacBio, Oxford Nanopore), basic analytical skills including HPLC, and cell density and fluorescence assays via microtiter plate reader and flow cytometry.
- Research experience with metabolic engineering of bacteria for chemical production and synthetic biology of non-model organisms are of particular interest.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $119,100.00/Yr.
