Scientist-DNA extraction and sequencing

bp•San Diego, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

About us Our purpose is to bring together people, energy and markets to power and navigate a changing world. In a time of constant change and possibility we need new talent to pursue commercial opportunities, fueled by world-class insight and expertise. We’re always striving for more innovative digital solutions, sustainable outcomes and closer collaboration across our company and beyond, and you could be part of that too. Together we continue to grow as the world’s leading energy company! The Fuels and Low Carbon Technology (F&LCT) team consists of over 300 technologists, scientists, and engineers who develop pioneering solutions to support BP’s Fuels, Refining, Bioenergy, and Hydrogen businesses. This group also supports the Technology division through innovation management, modeling, digital science, and academic research programs. The Bioenergy & Hydrogen Technology team (B&HT) brings together scientists and engineers dedicated to delivering low-carbon energy solutions that align with BP’s strategy, while also supporting the technological needs of our oil and gas projects. The team works across many of BP’s businesses, advancing areas such as novel feedstocks, biofuels and advanced biofuels, and hydrogen. The Opportunity The Scientist will work closely with our Synthetic Biology, Computation Science and Oil Production & Operation teams. The successful candidate will contribute to high priority projects applying molecular tools to build predictive models for oil well productivity. The individual will join a group of collaborative scientists and should possess strong communication abilities, outstanding interdisciplinary problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and a keen interest in scientific discovery. This position is expected to process large number of samples including information analysis.

Requirements

Synthetic Biology: Deep, hands-on experience in standard Synthetic Biology techniques, such as microbial characterization, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reactions and data processing.
DNA extraction: Experience with microbial DNA extraction from soil or other environmental samples.
DNA sequencing: Hands-on experience in operating MiSeq is required, including library preparation, sequencing and data processing.
Bioinformatics: Microbial speciation bioinformatics experience (e.g., QIIME, DADA2).
Communication: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Organization: Ability to prioritize responsibilities, respond flexibly to changing priorities, and work effectively in a multitasking and matrix environment.
Safety: Ensure all laboratory and process development activities comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs), environmental health and safety (EHS) guidelines, and quality standards at bp Biosciences Center.
Education Advanced degree in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or related fields with PhD, or Master’s plus demonstrated ability.
Skills Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency in general Synthetic Biology techniques, such as PCR, DNA extraction and related software.
Proficiency in DNA sequencing and related bioinformatics analysis

Nice To Haves

Experience with automation platforms and high-throughput DNA extraction from soil or fecal samples.
Knowledge of Jupyter Notebooks/Python preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform research and conduct standard lab techniques of Synthetic Biology, including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reactions, DNA sequencing and other related techniques.
Manage fluids and solid sample inventory, including coordination of shipments, sample storage and disposal, and maintaining sample archives.
Perform extraction of microorganisms and DNA from rock cuttings and fluids including oil and production water samples.
Work independently in the lab to perform library preparation for NGS DNA sequencing using MiSeq and Nanopore technologies, and processing of sequencing data.
Exhibit attention to detail and troubleshooting capabilities.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with business strategies and customer needs.
Operate independently and effectively in a fast-paced, multitasking environment, with the skills for communicating and creating meaningful team interactions.
This lab-based role is expected to spend approximately 80% of the time working in the laboratory, delivering high-quality results to support bioscience projects and capability building.
Promote safety initiatives and champion compliance with BP’s Code of Conduct.