UDRI's Fuels & Combustion division invites qualified candidates to apply for our Research Scientist in Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology opening! UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University’s commitments to education, research and public service through the involvement of students, faculty and external partners. Established as the research arm of the University of Dayton in 1956, UDRI achieved $2.75 billion in cumulative sponsored research in 2020. Sponsored research for 2022 alone exceeded $220 million.

The Research Scientist in Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology is expected to conceive, plan, and conduct research projects in the area of biological solutions for high-performance fuels. The scientist should possess a background in biotechnology, computational biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, and molecular/cellular biology. Strong research expertise is required in the areas of bioinformatics, and molecular/cellular biology, synthetic biology, and microbiology. This position intersects synthetic chemistry, microbiology, bioengineering and bioinformatics disciplines, and requires experience in identification of important gene pathways and construction of biosynthetic pathways.

The Research Scientist in Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology is expected to conceive, plan, and conduct research projects in the area of biological solutions for high-performance fuels. The scientist should possess a background in biotechnology, computational biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, and molecular/cellular biology. Strong research expertise is required in the areas of bioinformatics, and molecular/cellular biology, synthetic biology, and microbiology. This position intersects synthetic chemistry, microbiology, bioengineering and bioinformatics disciplines, and requires experience in identification of important gene pathways and construction of biosynthetic pathways.


Minimum Qualifications
1. Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or similar discipline with at least 2-year experience in Biotechnology applications.
2. Experience in bio-informatics tools for genomics with background in proteomics/metabolomics.
3. Experience in current recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, molecular assay development and other synthetic biology strategies.
4. Experience in BSL 2 microbiological techniques; bacterial and/or fungal cultivation; and technical writing and presentations.
5. High-level motivation, innovation, and capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a R&D laboratory environment.
6. Effective oral and written communications skills to communicate and deliver technical information to clients and stakeholders.
7. US Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

1. Ph.D. in Biotechnology, or Synthetic Biology with at least 2 years industrial experience in the Biotechnology Sector using bioreactors to scale-up production of biotechnology-derived chemicals and specialized compounds including compound purification.
2. Demonstrated broad knowledge base to engage with subject matter experts spanning microbiology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, and synthetic biology/chemistry with proficiency in comparative genomics/proteomics/metabolomics analysis.
3. Working with bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi microbial cultures including targeted gene transformation of non-model microorganisms to generate novel recombinant strains.
4. Demonstrated experience in multidisciplinary research areas, establishing collaborative work, and writing technical reports.
5. Previous experience in working within multifunctional teams, to conceive, execute, and communicate data while contributing to technical areas across various research efforts.
6. A record of R&D accomplishments including publications and other technical writings in biotechnology and synthetic biology related to microbiological topics.
7. Experience working with socially and culturally diverse communities.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.



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