"Postdoctoral Scholar - Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis - California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3 Berkeley)"

Position Overview

A Postdoctoral Scholar position in Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) is available in the Joint BioEnergy Institute's Keasling Lab, University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The Postdoctoral Scholar will report to Prof. Jay Keasling and work primarily under the direct supervision of Dr. Chang Dou, a Senior Engineer at the ABPDU. The successful candidate will conduct TEA for continuous bioprocesses utilizing microbial strains with switchable metabolism, aiming to enable demand-responsive biomanufacturing. As the primary TEA expert, the Postdoctoral Scholar will be part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of strain engineers, process engineers, analytical chemists, and technoeconomic experts. The Postdoctoral Scholar will develop a comprehensive analysis of the research team's continuous fermentation processes, producing 16 products in sequence using a single microbial strain. This position offers the opportunity to gain expertise in biomanufacturing at the ABPDU and collaborate with a team of experts in the field. The Postdoctoral Scholar will play a crucial role in advancing the project's objectives and contributing to the development of innovative biomanufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze complex bioprocesses using process simulation software programs to optimize efficiency and productivity.
• Perform Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of bioprocesses to evaluate their final product costs, process economics, and identify areas for improvement.
• Integrate principles of industrial ecology into the design and management of biomanufacturing systems, contributing to the development of innovative strategies to reduce biomanufacturing production costs.
• Work closely with team members to optimize bioprocesses and achieve project goals.
• Prepare and present research progress reports, internal updates, and assist with grant proposal development.
• Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present research at top-tier conferences to disseminate results to the scientific community.

Qualifications

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

Additional qualifications: PhD (or equivalent international degree) by the start date. No more than three years of post-degree research experience by start date.

Preferred qualifications: Proven expertise in process simulation and TEA methodologies, with a track record of peer-reviewed publications in chemical and biochemical systems. Familiarity with industrial biotechnology, microbiology, and synthetic biology, with preferred experience in process development. Knowledge of industrial ecology principles and circular economy principles. Experience with sustainability assessments and environmental impact analysis, with a good understanding of their application in chemical and/or biomanufacturing industries. Experience in independent research and collaborative work with interdisciplinary teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong record of scientific presentations.