"Postdoctoral Scholar - Fermentation Science - California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3 Berkeley)"

The Keasling Lab at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar in Fermentation Science. In this position, the Postdoctoral Scholar will develop continuous bio catalysis processes featuring microbial strains with switchable metabolism to enable continuous, demand-responsive biomanufacturing. This position will report to Prof. Jay Keasling and will conduct experimental work primarily at the ABPDU under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Sundstrom - LBNL staff scientist and ABPDU Fermentation group leader. The Postdoctoral Scholar will play an integral role as the primary Fermentation researcher in a new project featuring an interdisciplinary team of strain engineers, analytical chemists, and technoeconomic experts. At the project endpoint, the research team targets execution of continuous fermentation trials featuring 16 products produced in sequence using a single microbial strain. In addition to engagement with the project team, the Postdoctoral Scholar will gain experience with state-of-the-art bioprocess technologies and expertise at the ABPDU, including continuous fermentation platforms and the Sartorius Ambr250 automated bioreactor platform.

Responsibilities may include:

• Design, execution, and analysis of complex fermentation experiments utilizing high-throughput and automated experimental platforms.
• Development and deployment of reactor systems enabling long-term continuous bioreactor operation.
• Development of novel protocols to analyze metabolic and bioprocess impacts of frequent product switching during bio catalysis.
• Preparation of research progress reports, internal research updates, and assistance with grant proposal development.
• Presentation of results in peer reviewed journals and via presentations at national and international academic conferences.

Lab: https://keaslinglab.lbl.gov/

School: https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/faculty/jay-keasling

Basic qualifications: PhD (or equivalent international degree) or enrolled in a PhD degree program.

Additional qualifications: PhD by start date and no more than three years of post-degree research experience.

Preferred qualifications: PhD in chemical engineering, bioengineering, environmental engineering, or related field; hands-on experience with fermentation process development and bioreactor operation; experience in microbial cultivation and analytical characterization; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Application requirements: Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Research Statement (optional), and contact information for 3-5 references.