Plant Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology Division has an opening for a Plant Biochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.
In this exciting role, you will work in the Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division as part of the Cell Wall Biology Group led by Henrik Scheller, and as part of the Feedstocks Division at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI). Specifically, you will be involved in projects relating to cell wall biosynthesis and bioenergy crop engineering including (1) identifying and characterizing enzymes involved in glycan biosynthesis in sorghum and other plants, (2) assessing the effect of engineering plants for altered cell walls or bioproduct accumulation on interactions with microorganisms in the rhizosphere.
What You Will Do:
- Identify candidate glycosyltransferases and determine their substrate specificity and function by biochemical characterization of heterologously expressed proteins.
- Characterize plant cell walls in mutant and transgenic plants.
- Assess the effect of engineered bioenergy crops on bacteria in the rhizosphere. The engineered plants have been or will be generated by other members of the group.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication and assist with the development of funding proposals and patents.
- Participate in group meetings and seminars.
- Maintain an accurate and detailed electronic scientific logbook of all experiments performed. Store all data generated in an organized and secure way. Ensure that others could duplicate results.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:
- Responsible for training research assistants and assisting others in the lab who require guidance with plant cell wall biochemistry and molecular biology.
What is Required:
- Ph.D. in plant biology, biochemistry, or related field.
- Experience with the characterization of heterologously expressed enzymes.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques and genetic transformation.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct experiments independently, maintain appropriate records and manage data.
- Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with the characterization of complex carbohydrates.
- Experience with characterization or purification of membrane proteins.
- Experience with plant transformation and/or making constructs for plant transformation.
- Experience with plant-microbe interactions or abiotic stress tolerance.
- Experience with microscopy.
For full consideration, please apply by August 31, 2021. We will begin interviewing in early September.
Notes:
- This is a full-time 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
- Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
- This position may be 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.
- Berkeley Lab is committed to
- Work will be primarily performed at Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) — Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA.
Learn about us!
Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology
Mission: Linking genome biology to ecosystem dynamics.
Vision: Sustainable solutions to energy and environmental challenges developed through mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
Approach: We develop systems-level models using integrated molecular observation and controlled manipulation of model organisms and defined biomes to design and test interventions that promote beneficial outcomes.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."