Senior Metabolic & Biomanufacturing Process Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking a Senior Metabolic & Biomanufacturing Process Engineer to join the Biological Sciences Group. You will lead efforts to engineer microbial metabolic pathways and optimize biomanufacturing processes across upstream and downstream operations.

You will design, implement, and characterize recombinant pathways, manage projects and teams, and contribute to science that supports national security.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology or similar.
• Extensive wet lab experience manipulating the metabolism of microbes and scaling metabolite synthesis/downstream processing.
• 2+ years experience with analytical chemistry techniques and equipment including HPLC, GC/MS, or LC/MS.
• Proficient in DNA manipulation, plasmid construction, qPCR, protein analysis, plate-reader assays, microscopy, and microbial cell culture.
• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; publication/teaching/industry experience.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance and TS/SCI clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and characterize recombinant metabolic pathways in microbial organisms.
• Design, implement, and optimize biomanufacturing processes.
• Lead projects and teams for funded and internal efforts in metabolic engineering and bioprocessing.
• Support business development activities including concept development, proposals, and project execution.
• Collaborate with a technical team to drive innovation and growth for sponsors.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Analytical chemistry

Molecular biology techniques

Assay development

Leadership

Security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology or similar

Tools

HPLC

GC/MS

LC/MS

Job description

Description

Do you marvel at the complexity of metabolism and seek to leverage natural metabolisms in creative ways to develop new technologies?

Do you marvel at the complexity of metabolism and seek to leverage natural metabolisms in creative ways to develop new technologies?

Do you want to apply your expertise in biomanufacturing process engineering to pressing National Security challenges?

Do you love contributing your microbial metabolic engineering and downstream processing subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on developing novel applications?

If you answered yes to these questions, we\'re looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

We are seeking a highly motivated metabolic and bioprocess engineer to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways and optimizing biomanufacturing processes, including upstream and downstream processing. As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL\'s mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.

As a Senior Metabolic & Biomanufacturing Process Engineer...

• Design, implement, and characterize recombinant metabolic pathways in microbial organisms.
• Design, implement, and optimize biomanufacturing processes.
• Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts in the research areas mentioned above.
• Support new business development activities to expand program scope within the Research and Exploratory Development Department and other business areas across APL, including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
• Work with a technical team providing leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
• Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external sponsors.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a PhD in Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology or a similar field.
• Have extensive wet lab experience manipulating the metabolism of microbes and in scaling metabolite synthesis and downstream processing.
• Have 2+ years experience with analytical chemistry techniques and equipment including: HPLC, GC/MS, or LC/MS.
• Are proficient in molecular biology techniques, including DNA manipulation and plasmid construction, qPCR, protein analysis, plate-reader assay development, microscopy techniques, and microbial cell culture.
• Have experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Possess strong leadership skills, including excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through a combination of publication record, teaching, and professional experience.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You\'ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have experience working with non-lab adapted or anaerobic microbes, including such as Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Have experience with yeast, plant, algae, or microbiome systems.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

290,000 Annually