Title: Synthetic Biology Researcher

Location: University of Texas in Austin, TX with occasional work at USACE ERDC, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180

Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has a requirement for a researcher to investigate the use of synthetic biology to design bioenabled materials for sensing, environmental processing, sustainable cementing materials and development of novel sense and respond materials. Research efforts include synthetic biology approaches involving microorganisms, the ability to work with and modify DNA and proteins, generate bioenabled materials that bind and detect metals/chemicals/biologicals, engineer novel synthetic chassis that can secrete cement binder materials and develop microorganisms where electromagnetic fields (EMF) can trigger sport germination trigger.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Experimental / synthetic biology approaches. Maintain bacterial cultures. Assess the ability of Bacillus subtilis spores to bind and recover Rare Earth Elements (REE). Design and engineer proteins (REEbp) that selectively bind individual REE. Assess the ability of spores engineered REEbp to bind and recover REE. Assess performance of spores (wild type and engineered) in purifying REE at large scales from leachate and from tock REE solutions.
• Design bacterial whose gene expression or functions can be controlled by electricity. Design bacteria to secrete cement binders that is controlled by electricity or other novel methods. Engineering microbial-included calcite precipitation circuit into novel synthetic biology chassis that can serve in cold region environment. Improving sustainability of the biohybrid materials by harnessing bacterial spores.
• Design and engineer bacteria to become more sensitive to EMF-included triggers for germination process. Identification of molecular mechanism of EMS-induced germination by high-throughput screening of Bacillus subtilis
• Design and develop DNA's and proteins that bind or react to specific metals, chemicals, and bacteria. Change properties of Lanthanide Binding Proteins (LBP) via substitution of antenna and binding site engineering. Determine if functional (fluorescing or luminescing) hierarchical superstructures can be made using LBP.
• Provide monthly written report that shall summarize the progress made detailing experimental preparation, experimental conditions, marker design, instrumentation, data analysis, data reduction, and problems encountered.
• Submission of a brief final report (<5 pages) technical report summarizing the results of the research, research notes, and associated spreadsheets shall be made available.
• Laboratory notebooks should be up to date and available for review.
• Able to interpret scientific program policies and associated principles as well as comprehensive and detailed knowledge of functionality, workflow, and styles to plan, organize and implement assigned programs.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are followed during all phases of the study, preparation, conduct, analysis, and processing of clinical data.
• Maintain a professional during all interactions with other staff and subjects.
• Provide technical support, when needed.
• Possess a minimal proficiency in programs such as Word, Excel, etc. and have a basic understanding of statistics and other related programs.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have a PhD in Synthetic Biology or another related field
• Must demonstrate successful fusion of synthetic biology research and the design of electronically controlled bioenabled materials for the US Government.
• Must demonstrate experience using synthetic biology approaches involving microorganisms.
• Must demonstrate publication success in synthetic biology, bioenabled materials, and microorganisms.
• If required, must be able to obtain/maintain a NACI Security Clearance.
• Must be able to complete all required security training and be able to obtain a CAC Card.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; including proficiency in data analysis.
• Proven, strong, clinical operational focus.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with the ability to identify and resolve problems and effectively manage timelines.
• Ability to follow and apply best practices.
• Possess a minimal proficiency in programs such as Word, Excel, etc. and have a basic understanding of statistics and other related programs.
• Adhere to all scientific standards of responsible conduct of research and scientific training.
• Must be able to work independently following a brief period of training.

Work Environment:

May be required to work in laboratory-type areas. Working in facilities or laboratories shall be required that may require to wear uniforms (i.e., scrubs, suits, lab coats) and appropriate protective clothing, if required, and equipment as identified for that area and appropriate PPE as defined by the SOP, ASP, and Safety Department. Position, Site, and/or Contract may have vaccination requirements.

Physical Demands:

May be required to lift equipment and supplies of 40 lbs. or more in weight and to push and pull racks, carts, and dollies. Continuous walking, standing, sitting, and considerable arm and hand movements shall be required.

Apply online at our website: https://kikiktagruk.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Disclaimer: This is not to be an exclusive list of all responsibilities', duties, and skills required of the person in this job. KIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIC considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, family responsibility, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran's status or any other legal protected status. Pursuant to The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1601 et seq., and federal contractual requirements, Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, may legally grant certain preference in employment opportunities to KIC Shareholders and their Descendants. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Successful candidate must pass, comply and adhere to KIC's Drug and Alcohol policy/testing requirements and pass a thorough background check including fingerprinting.