Senior Genetic and Metabolic Engineer

Description

Do you marvel at the complexity of metabolism and seek to leverage natural metabolisms in creative ways to develop new technologies?

Do you want to apply your expertise in microbial metabolic engineering to pressing National Security challenges?

Do you love contributing your strain engineering subject matter expertise to an interdisciplinary team of scientists, focused on developing novel applications?

If you answered yes to these questions, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Biological Sciences Group, here at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab.

We are seeking a highly motivated metabolic engineer to contribute to a team focused on engineering microbial metabolic pathways.

As part of the Biological Sciences Group, in the Research Exploratory Development Department, you will be at the forefront of APL 's mission to provide impactful contributions to critical challenges. You will contribute to building outstanding expertise in molecular biology, in the pursuit of challenges in national security.

As a Senior Genetic and Metabolic Engineer you will...

• Design, implement, and characterize recombinant metabolic pathways in diverse microbial organisms.
• Conduct basic and applied research to pioneer innovation in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and related fields.
• Lead projects and teams for both internally funded and externally funded efforts in the research areas mentioned above.
• Support new business development activities to expand program scope within the Research and Exploratory Development Department and other business areas across APL, including concept development, proposal writing, and project execution.
• Work with a technically diverse team providing leadership in the development of new opportunities and support internal initiatives, driving technical innovation and growth in areas relevant to APL sponsors.
• Participate in the broader APL community by presenting data to interdisciplinary groups and to department management.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external sponsors.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biology, Biological Engineering, or a similar field.
• Have extensive wet lab experience manipulating the metabolism of microbes.
• Are proficient in molecular biology techniques, including DNA manipulation and plasmid construction, qPCR, protein analysis, plate-reader assay development, microscopy techniques, and microbial cell culture.
• Have experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting a wide range of biological assays.
• Possess strong leadership skills, including excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through a combination of publication record, teaching, and professional experience.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biology, Biological Engineering, or a similar field with at least 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Have a familiarity with analytical chemistry techniques and equipment including: HPLC, GC/MS, or LC/MS.
• Have experience working with non-lab adapted or anaerobic microbes such as Rhodopseudomonas palustris , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Pichia pastoris .
• Have previously experience with genetic engineering techniques and metabolic engineering.
• Have experience with plant, algae, or microbiome systems.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

About Us

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.