Microbial Genetics​/Synthetic Biology - Academic Graduate Appointee

Microbial Genetics/Synthetic Biology - Academic Graduate Appointee

We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in research in the field of microbial genetics and synthetic biology. You will work as part of a team of scientists conducting research to study protein compartmentalization systems and develop new genetic tools for Rhodococcus species. This position is in the Microbial Systems Biology Group within the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will:

• Perform molecular biology workflows using established protocols.
• Perform microbiology tasks, including growth and maintenance of bacterial cultures under sterile conditions, preparation of chemically competent bacterial cells, and transformations
• Generate mutations in bacteria and test phenotypes using a variety of assays (e.g., growth assays, microscopy, etc.).
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks, sample records, and experimental documentation.
• Present results in team meetings and contribute to written reports, presentations, and for literature reviews.
• Communicate with mentors, advisors, and other scientists to address research challenges.
• Learn and apply established laboratory methods, data collection practices, and safe work procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience and/or knowledge with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with bacterial culture methods and sterile technique.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to present and explain research results.
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with attention to detail and increasing independence under guidance.
• Ability to follow standard laboratory protocols and ES&H safety procedures.

Qualifications we desire:

• Experience with microbial genetics or synthetic biology research.
• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology methods, including microbial cell culture, DNA amplification or extraction, molecular cloning, and bacterial transformation.
• Familiarity with plasmid and gDNA extraction methods.
• Experience culturing and working with non-model bacteria
• Experience with gram-positive bacteria.
• Experience with spectrophotometric assays using a plate reader.
• Exposure to data analysis or basic bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with MS Office applications (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Pay Range $6,748 - $7,718 Monthly

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.