Description

Berkeley Lab's Biological Systems & Engineering Division (BSE) is looking for a Process Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU)!

In this exciting role, you will plan and execute R&D and scale-up projects in advanced biofuel production including deconstruction, fermentation, and recovery. This will include collecting, analyzing, and reporting data from laboratory and mini-pilot scale processes.

This role will give you the opportunity to take on mentoring and training responsibilities, writing publications, helping author grant and patent applications, and assume a greater role of intellectual leadership. Working as part of a highly collaborative project, you will partner with several research groups from the National Renewable Energy, Argonne National, and Sandia National Laboratories and industrial collaborators. The learnings from these studies will not only be published but also tested with industrial collaborators at the ABPDU.

What You Will Do:

Project and experiment planning using statistical design of experiment approach using JMP or similar software.

Execute experiments for industrial and academic collaborators with bioreactors at 250 mL, 2L, and 300L scale.

Compute mass and energy balances.

Collect and analyze data and report findings in written and oral presentations for staff and facility collaborators.

Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all experiments performed. Ensure that others could duplicate results.

Write manuscripts and participate in the authoring of grant proposals and patent applications.

Routine maintenance of equipment and laboratory facilities.

Perform system suitability testing, statistical process control, root cause failure analysis, and other problem solving and prevention techniques.

Order supplies and coordinate with industrial collaborators on materials and consumables.

Participate in group meetings.

Draft manuscripts describing experimental work.

Present results and discuss plans with funders.

What is Required:

A recent Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.

Experience working with bioreactors.

Experience with statistical design of experiments.

Understanding of lignocellulosic feedstock characterization and impact on fermentation.

Excellent oral and written communication skills including a successful record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work independently and perform collaborative research in an interdisciplinary team environment.

What We Prefer:

Experience analyzing and interpreting -omic data with strong quantitative/computational skills.

Familiarity with microbial imaging techniques.

Interest in mentoring and developing others.

For full consideration, please apply by August 17, 2022 with the following application materials:

Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Notes:

This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year, 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 4 years of paid postdoctoral experience.

This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes with predetermined postdoctoral step rates dependent on years of experience post-degree.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

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.

Work will be performed onsite at the Emery Station Operations Center — 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

The Biological Systems & Engineering Division's vision is to lead efforts that combine the power of biology with the tools of engineering to develop sustainable energy and manufacturing solutions to improve human health.

Berkeley Lab's Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community. For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.