Metabolomics Senior Research Associate

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division has an opening for a Senior Research Associate to join the Northen Metabolomics Lab!

The Northen Metabolomics Team studies soil, plant, and microbial ecosystems. There will be opportunities to work on basic science research supporting solutions for addressing global issues related to carbon cycling, bioenergy, and plant health.  Experiments involve use of fabricated ecosystems, microbial cross feeding assays, and plant-microbe interaction studies. 

In this exciting role, you will perform research assignments such as mass spectrometry-based metabolomics workflows with responsibilities including sample extraction, equipment operation, troubleshooting and maintenance, preliminary quality control analysis, with general lab maintenance tasks.  Additionally, you will support plant and microbial experiments and sample collection and be responsible for supporting the implementation of new techniques / protocols and assisting with solving challenges in the lab. 

This position has an anticipated start date of January 13, 2025.

What You Will Do:

• Perform research assignments such as microbial, plant, and fungal culturing experiments in the lab including media preparation, inoculations, incubations, and sample collection while using aseptic technique.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot a variety of laboratory equipment following standard operating procedures (i.e., plate readers, microscopes, incubators, mass spectrometers, liquid and gas chromatography systems, automation systems, total organic carbon analyzers, centrifuges, incubators, etc.)
• Perform sample extractions on soils, plant materials, microbial cultures and assist with development of new extraction methods.
• Perform and log results of quality control checks on samples and controls and make appropriate adjustments to correct for issues.
• With guidance, learn new mass spectrometry analytical procedures, software or instrumentation, perform supportive literature reviews and help apply knowledge to projects for support of discovering/identifying new compounds, dereplication, interpretation of fragmentation data, etc.
• Perform general lab management of supplies/waste/chemical storage in compliance with Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) guidelines.
• Perform lab support duties, including equipment maintenance, purchase of consumables, lab and freezer organization, requisitioning of waste, as well as evaluating new equipment to support lab goals.
• Participate in and help facilitate group and team meetings.
• Maintain detailed and well-organized lab records, fill out instrument logs, report findings in standardized format for tracking of instrument maintenance, sample sequences and equipment calibration as part of instrumentation procedures.

What is Required:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a research laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in analytical chemistry, and/or biochemistry sufficient to perform quality control assessment of standards/sample runs, perform basic extraction protocols, and report results and findings.
• Demonstrated ability to perform sample extractions and metabolomics related workflows including use/maintenance/troubleshooting of analytical lab equipment and associated acquisition software.
• Demonstrated ability to perform data processing using pre-made analytical workflows with preliminary interpretation of results.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and related software tools including MS Office Suite, Google Applications, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom video conferencing.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills including experience multitasking, understanding operating procedures, and troubleshooting.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including experience documenting research results, maintaining accurate laboratory records, and managing data.
• Effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Plant Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience operating and maintaining mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography systems, preferably Thermo Orbitrap mass spectrometers and Agilent LCs.
• Experience with safety and waste considerations for handling flammable solvents and working in a fume hood.
• Experience with data quality control, preferably metabolomics / mass spectrometry.
• Experience using software tools for reviewing and processing LC/MS data (i.e., XCalibur, GNPS, mzmine, XCMS, Compound Discoverer).
• Experience culturing/growing bacteria, plants, or fungi using aseptic techniques.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a resume and cover letter by December 10, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime, 13 month, Term (benefits eligible) appointment with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 5 years total or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. 
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position is expected to pay $65,844 - $83,880 per year for job code 381.2. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• 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.
• This position will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720. This position is located in Building 91, the Integrative Genomics Building (IGB) (Virtual Tour).
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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