Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL), Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division has an opening for a Research Assistant to join the Northen Metabolomics Group. This position will support microbiome research on soils, plants and microbes. These microbial communities represent a key system for understanding nutrient cycling within microbial assemblies. Our lab aims to define interspecies interactions through metabolite exchange using mass spectrometry based analysis techniques. This position will provide assistance on metabolomics projects including routine automated extractions and LCMS sample analysis.
What You Will Do:
Grow and maintain various plant species in fabricated Ecosystems (EcoFAB) including imaging, changing of growth media, and plant measurements.
Collect EcoFAB samples for TOC/TON/Phosphate measurements (colorimetric) and LCMS analysis.
Regularly prepare sets of metabolite standard solutions for testing in microbiome samples and LCMS development work.
Regularly perform and troubleshoot sample extractions using robotic automation equipment and manual methods following standardized operating procedures involving the safe handling of multiple types of solvents and work with a wide range of samples types. (soils, fungi, microbes, environmental water, etc.)
Routinely perform standard procedures using automated liquid handling systems, lyophilizer, SpeedVac, centrifuge, and water bath sonicator.
Assist with sample analysis on LC and GC systems, and MALDI, MSD and ESI mass spectrometers. Perform data quality control assessment.
Routinely perform basic lab support duties, including: equipment maintenance, purchase of consumables, lab and freezer organization, requisitioning of waste, etc.
Maintain lab notebook and detailed instrumentation and sample logs.
Follow EH&S guidelines to ensure the safety of one's self and others in the lab and office spaces.
What is Required:
BS degree in biology, microbiology, plant biology, or related field preferred or equivalent experience in a microbiology or plant biology lab.
Detail-oriented with excellent communication, writing and troubleshooting skills.
Proficiency with basic office software. (Google Docs, Excel, etc.)
Minimum of 1 year of experience in a microbiology or plant biology lab.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Familiarity with CAD software, imaging systems, mass spectrometers, liquid handling systems.
Experience running scripts written using scientific programming languages. (ex. Python, MATLAB, R)
Notes:
This is a full time, 1-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension 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 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 primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
Learn about us!
Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology
Mission:Linking genome biology to ecosystem dynamics.
Vision: Sustainable solutions to energy and environmental challenges developed through mechanistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
Approach:We develop systems-level models using integrated molecular observation and controlled manipulation of model organisms and defined biomes to design and test interventions that promote beneficial outcomes.
Berkeley Lab
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.
Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.
Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.
Internal Number: 91733
About Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
In the world of science, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is synonymous with excellence. Thirteen scientists associated with Berkeley Lab have won the Nobel Prize. Fifty-seven Lab scientists are members of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), one of the highest honors for a scientist in the United States. Thirteen of our scientists have won the National Medal of Science, our nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in fields of scientific research. Eighteen of our engineers have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and three of our scientists have been elected into the Institute of Medicine. In addition, Berkeley Lab has trained thousands of university science and engineering students who are advancing technological innovations across the nation and around the world. Berkeley Lab is a member of the national laboratory system supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Office of Science. It is managed by the University of California (UC) and is charged with conducting unclassified research across a wide range of scientific disciplines. Located on a 200-acre site in the hills above the UC Berkeley campus that offers spectacular... views of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley Lab employs approximately 4,200 scientists, engineers, support staff and students. Its budget for 2011 is $735 million, with an additional $101 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, for a total of $836 million. A recent study estimates the Laboratory's overall economic impact through direct, indirect and induced spending on the nine counties that make up the San Francisco Bay Area to be nearly $700 million annually. The Lab was also responsible for creating 5,600 jobs locally and 12,000 nationally. The overall economic impact on the national economy is estimated at $1.6 billion a year. Technologies developed at Berkeley Lab have generated billions of dollars in revenues, and thousands of jobs. Savings as a result of Berkeley Lab developments in lighting and windows, and other energy-efficient technologies, have also been in the billions of dollars. Berkeley Lab was founded in 1931 by Ernest Orlando Lawrence, a UC Berkeley physicist who won the 1939 Nobel Prize in physics for his invention of the cyclotron, a circular particle accelerator that opened the door to high-energy physics. It was Lawrence's belief that scientific research is best done through teams of individuals with different fields of expertise, working together. His teamwork concept is a Berkeley Lab legacy that continues today.
