"Microbial Metal Circularity Postdoctoral Fellow"

Berkeley Lab's LBNL Biological Systems and Engineering BSE Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit ABPDU and work in close collaboration with the Joint BioEnergy Institute JBEI, Joint Genome Institute JGI, and the University of California, Berkeley UCB.

In this exciting role, you will be offered a unique opportunity to work at the interface of genomics, microbial engineering, laboratory automation, bioprocess development, and analytical chemistry, advancing innovative approaches to sustainable resource recovery. This fellowship is part of an Internally Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project focused on developing microbial strains and bioprocesses to recover rare earth elements REEs from waste streams. This highly interdisciplinary effort integrates expertise in functional genomics, microbial physiology, strain engineering, fermentation, bioproduct separation, and process analytics, with contributions from national laboratories, academia, and potentially industry partners.

This position will be located in Emeryville, CA and has an anticipated start date of June 15, 2026.

What You Will Do:

• Identify, screen, and cultivate microbial strains with potential for REE bioaccumulation.
• Design and implement high-throughput molecular biology workflows.
• Perform fermentation experiments across a range of scales (1 mL to 10 L) to optimize microbial REE biorecovery.
• Develop and optimize product separation and purification processes for REE recovery.
• Develop and perform analytical measurements of REE-containing feedstocks, fermentation intermediates, and separation products using advanced instrumentation.
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams at JBEI, JGI, UCB, and other institutional partners.
• Present research progress and findings at group meetings, technical workshops, and national scientific conferences.
• Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.

What is Required:

• A recent PhD (within the last 1-3 years) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with microbial physiology, cultivation, and engineering.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including experience conducting independent research while effectively collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in developing high-throughput assays and working with laboratory automation systems (e.g., liquid handlers, robotic colony pickers).
• Familiarity with genomic analyses and structural homology assessments to inform strain engineering efforts.
• Familiarity with whole genome knockout techniques and sequencing technologies.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatic tools and workflows for genomic and functional data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactors, fermentation process development, and downstream bioproduct separation techniques.
• Strong background in inorganic chemistry (e.g., metals) and proficiency in using analytical instruments such as ICP-OES, HPLC, GC, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Notes:

• Application Deadline: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a cover letter by January 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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 Information: The monthly salary range for this position is $5,929 - $7,108 and is expected to start at $5,929 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background Check: 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 Modality: This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East (ESE) Operations Center located in Building 978 at 5885 Hollis Street Emeryville, CA 94608. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).