Posting TitleResearch Technologist: Molecular Biology

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeLimited Term (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NREL

Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world’s energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.

At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.

Learn about NREL’s critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.

Job Description

The Renewable Resources and Enabling Science Center at NREL has an opening for a full-time research technologist position to support research and development activities related to the development of non-model bacterial biocatalysts for conversion of CO2- and biomass-derived substrates to fuels, chemicals, and materials. The successful candidate will support a small team of researchers and work on multiple projects using their experience in molecular biology and microbiology methods.

Responsibilities will include performing strain construction and evaluation.

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Basic QualificationsLevel 1

Relevant Bachelor's Degree. Limited use and application of engineering principles, theories and concepts. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.

Level 2

Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 1 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of scientific technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good technical writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

BS in Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Working knowledge of bacterial geneticsExperience with plasmid constructionExperience with Microbial genome engineering and microbial cultivation and sterile technique.Strong communication and organizational skills, including clear and thorough record keepingAbility to maintain a clean lab space with utmost attention to safetyAble to work independently and as part of a teamDemonstrates troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with good attention to detailStrong written, verbal, team, interpersonal, and communication skills.Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPointDemonstrated experience in a microbiology laboratory

Level II (Additional)

Ability to take an immediate role in making methodological or procedural improvements.Advanced skills in research techniques and practices.

Preferred QualificationsFamiliarity with bacterial metabolism, and physiologyExperience with next-generation DNA sequencing analysisAcquaintance with analytical chemistryExperience with bioreactor cultivation or bioprocess developmentAbility to thrive in a dynamic role with greatly varying daily expectations in a team atmosphereProven ability to learn new skills in parallel with continually supporting ongoing work

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Research Technologist II / Annual Salary Range: $65,100 - $107,400

Job Profile: Research Technologist I / Annual Salary Range: $56,800 - $93,700

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Reasonable Accommodations

E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.