Research Associate (BRaVE Phage Foundry)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; United States; Presencial; USD 40.000 - 51.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health benefits

Generous paid time off

Belonging to a collaborative culture

Descripción de la vacante

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) in Berkeley, CA, invites applications for a Research Associate in the BRaVE Phage Foundry. You will establish a high-throughput platform to characterize phages and conjugation processes involved in horizontal gene transfer, isolating plasmids and phages from diverse environments.

Start date anticipated December 1, 2026. You will conduct experimental characterizations, build barcoded libraries, prepare samples for sequencing, and perform assays

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field and 1 year relevant experience.
• Experience with genome/plasmid preparation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
• Knowledge of handling bacteria, conjugation plasmids, and phage strains.
• Strong documentation and ability to present project updates.
• Familiarity with NGS technologies.
• Programming knowledge (Perl or Python) is a plus.

Responsabilidades

• Apply methods to conjugate plasmids from diverse environments.
• Perform genome-wide screening assays.
• Prepare samples for Next-Generation Sequencing.
• Maintain clear experimental records.
• Optimize growth conditions and perform genetic manipulations.
• Conduct phage evolution experiments and sample processing.
• Assist with robotic automation protocols and tools.
• Attend team meetings and provide project updates.

Conocimientos

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Genome prep

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology/Virology/Genetics

Herramientas

Next-Generation Sequencing

Molecular cloning

Descripción del empleo

Berkeley Lab's ( LBNL ) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology ( EGSB ) Division has an opening for a Research Associate to join the BRaVE Phage Foundry !

In this exciting role, you will focus on establishing a high-throughput platform for the systematic characterization of phages and the conjugation processes involved in horizontal gene transfer. This role will isolate conjugation plasmids and bacteriophages from bacterial pathogens across diverse environments. You will conduct experimental characterizations of conjugation processes and phage-host interactions, construct barcoded libraries, and prepare samples for Next-Generation Sequencing. You will perform assay workflows to assess phage-antibiotic combinations, assay phage engineering approaches, and follow established protocols to evolve plasmids with specific functional traits.

This position has an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

• Exceptional health benefits .
• Generous paid time off, sick time off, and holidays .
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!

What You Will Do:

• Apply diverse methods to conjugate plasmids isolated from a variety of environments.
• Perform genome-wide screening assays.
• Prepare samples for Next-Generation Sequencing.
• Maintain clear and accurate experimental records.
• Optimize the growth conditions of bacterial pathogens and perform genetic manipulations.
• Conduct phage evolution experiments, including sample collection and processing.
• Execute experimental protocols to study phage combinations with antibiotics, metals, and other chemicals.
• Assist with developing and refining robotic automation protocols and tools for enhanced research productivity.
• Attend weekly and monthly team meetings and provide an update on the project.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Microbiology, Virology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience working with genome and plasmid preparation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• General knowledge of handling bacteria, conjugation plasmids, and phage strains, including their isolation and characterization.
• General knowledge of Next-Generation Sequencing technologies.
• General knowledge of sample collection and processing techniques.
• Familiarity with molecular cloning, media formulations, and strain archiving.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills, including the ability to organize and present project updates.
• Demonstrated communication skills including the ability to work with an interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Skills/Knowledge:

• Familiarity with at least one programming language, such as Perl or Python.

Additional Information:

Appointment Type: This is a full-time, non-exempt from overtime pay (hourly paid), 10 month (benefits eligible), 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 has an end date of September 30, 2027.

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

Salary Range: This position has a budgeted salary range of $28.78 - $36.69 hourly for job code 381.1. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group (if applicable, and union contract agreement).

Background Check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

Work Modality: This position will be performed onsite at the West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) - Bldg. 977, located at 717 Potter Street Berkeley, CA 94710. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here ).

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.