Postdoctoral Research Associate - Microbial Synthetic Biologist

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the largest science and energy laboratory within the U.S. Department of Energy, conducts cutting‑edge basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions that advance national energy and security priorities. The Biosciences Division (BSD) within the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate (BESSD) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Microbial Engineering Group. In this role, you will develop next‑generation genetic tools for non‑model microorganisms, enabling precise genome engineering in microbial systems relevant to the emerging bioeconomy. These tools will accelerate our ability to interrogate genotype–phenotype relationships, expand fundamental understanding of microbial physiology, and support the development of design rules for engineering microbes for energy and environmental applications. ORNL’s multidisciplinary research environment brings together expertise across biology, engineering, computing, and environmental sciences to address complex scientific challenges and accelerate the translation of discoveries into real‑world solutions.

Research Activities

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will develop genetic engineering platforms for diverse non‑model microbes, including aerobic and anaerobic community members for microbiome engineering and organisms capable of converting waste plastics and lignocellulosic biomass into domestic fuels and chemicals. Research activities may include creating transformation methods, constructing gene‑expression "genetic parts," and developing CRISPR‑Cas and recombineering systems for multiplexed, targeted genome manipulation across broad phylogenetic groups. You will carry out gene deletions and overexpression studies, validate engineered genotypes, characterize physiological impacts, and link genotypes to phenotypes using next‑generation sequencing, systems biology, and complementary analytical approaches. This position requires close collaboration with technical support staff and scientific experts in microbiology, systems biology, bioinformatics, bacterial physiology, and analytical chemistry at ORNL and partner institutions. You will design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze quantitative data, and effectively communicate scientific results through publications and presentations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform molecular genetics, synthetic biology, and related experiments
• Work with a diverse team of scientists
• Interface directly with internal and external partners in various disciplines
• Present research results at national scientific meetings
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling
• Take a position of leadership for day-to-day laboratory operations while addressing all of ORNL’s environmental health and safety requirements
• Self-assess experimental research skill set and identify weakness and secure learning resources to address these issues
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in Microbiology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field completed within the last 5 years or expected to be completed within the next 6 months at the time of application

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microbiology, synthetic biology, and molecular genetics, preferably including non-model bacteria
• Experience developing or using CRISPR editing and/or CRISPR inhibition in diverse microorganisms
• Experience growing and genetically modifying anaerobic bacteria is desirable
• Experience analyzing large datasets, including sequencing and 'omics data
• Proven publication record
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements

• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment
• The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding
• Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line

Contact Information

For additional information, contact Dr Adam Guss (https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/adam-m-guss; email: gussam@ornl.gov) or Dr Carrie Eckert (https://www.ornl.gov/staff-profile/carrie-eckert; email: eckertca@ornl.gov).