Computational Biology - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

Note: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in the areas of computational systems biology. This research will involve development and use of detailed system-level models of metabolism in microbial communities and development of novel constraint-based modeling methods. These models and tools will be used to examine the biochemical mechanisms of intercellular interactions. This research could involve development of multiple types of models including genome-scale steady state models, reaction-transport dynamic models, and some ML models. Some of the modeling efforts involve use of LLNL’s high-performance computing. The position is part of a larger project aiming to develop comprehensive understanding of the systems level resource allocation consequences of microscale symbioses between microbes and bioenergy and bioproduct relevant crops ( https://bio-sfa.llnl.gov ). The purpose of this appointment is to promote cutting-edge science and requires day-to-day interactions with experimental biologists. This position is in the Biochemical and Biophysical Systems group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

Requirements

• PhD in microbiology, bioengineering, computer science, chemistry/biochemistry, physics or related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of the concepts of microbial physiology (particularly metabolism), systems biology and dynamics of multi-cellular communities.
• Previous experience in mathematical modeling of networks.
• Experience in bioinformatics and computational analyses.
• Familiarity with system-level modeling methods like FBA and tools like COBRA.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills through publication of journal articles and presentations at seminars and scientific meetings.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with programming for parallel computing.
• Experience using tools of linear programming and operations research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in computational microbiology in the areas of microbial ecology and microbial community engineering.
• Develop genome-scale models of metabolism in bacteria and algae.
• Develop spatially multiscale dynamic reaction and transport models of biophysical systems.
• Investigate the system-level underpinnings of processes involved in symbiotic interactions between algae and bacteria in co-cultured communities.
• Examining interaction between microbes and the surrounding medium using methods such as dynamic flux balance analysis and flux sampling.
• Contribute to the conception, design and execution of experiments and in silico analyses to address defined problems.
• Communicate with experimental biologists for systems biology studies.
• Develop new computational tools for high performance computing studies.
• Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish goals.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree