Posting TitlePostdoctoral Researcher – Metabolic Engineering, Synthetic Biology

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypePostdoc (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.

Job Description

The Biosciences Center at NREL has an opening for a full time Postdoctoral Researcher. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal up to three years.

The incoming postdoc will collaborate on a multidisciplinary research project focused on the biological conversion of syngas (CO2, CO, H2) by an anaerobic acetogenic bacterium. Successful candidates will use synthetic biology techniques to generate metabolically engineered strains with improved capabilities for upgrading one-carbon molecules into renewable fuels and chemicals. There will also be opportunities for bioprocess optimization and development of novel fermentation strategies across scales, from serum bottles up to 2L fermenters.

This position requires a recent (less than 3 years) Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a closely related field.  

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Basic QualificationsMust be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required QualificationsDeep fundamental knowledge of bacterial metabolism and pMastery of molecular biology tools and techniques (PCR, plasmid design, bacterial cultivation, genetic transformation systems).Demonstrated experience in microbial metabolic engineering for designing, constructing, and evaluating novel strains.Exceptional organizational and written/oral communication skills.Capability to work independently in generating and testing of hypotheses.

Strong authorship track record in peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred QualificationsExperience cultivating and genetically modifying non-model microbes, especially acetogens or other anaerobic bacteria.Experience in the setup, operation, and bioprocess optimization of bioreactors, particularly with gaseous feedstocks.Analytical chemistry skills (HPLC, GC) for identification and quantification of metabolites. Experience using CRISPR, or other advanced molecular biology techniques, such as for rationally engineering improved enzymes.Familiarity with gathering and analyzing large bioinformatics datasets (Whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genome scale modeling, metabolic flux analysis).

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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