Protein Production and Purification Fermentation Scientist
Livermore, CA - USA
Job Summary
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a highly motivated Protein Production and Purification - Fermentation Scientist to support an interdisciplinary project focused on developing protein-based methods for rare earth separation. You will support the development and optimization of scalable fermentation processes for microbial protein expression and in developing and optimizing cost-effective downstream protein purification methods. This position requires strong experimental skills attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
This position requires full-time on-site presence.
In this role you will:
- Operate and maintain laboratory-scale bioreactors for microbial protein expression.
- Support the development optimization and execution of fermentation processes at bench and pilot scale.
- Develop optimize and refine downstream protein purification methods (e.g. chromatography filtration protein immobilization).
- Analyze experimental data and apply data-driven approaches to improve yield productivity and reproducibility
- Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records; contribute to data analysissummarize and communicate results to project teams.
- Support laboratory operations including equipment maintenance media preparation and safety compliance.
- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot workflows and support scale-up efforts.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications :
- Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences Biochemistry Bioengineering Chemical Engineering or a related field.
- Hands-on experience independently conducting microbial fermentation experiments in bioreactorsat the bench or pilot scale
- Experience with protein purification and downstream process optimization.
- Proficiency in sterile techniques and basic microbiology procedures.
- Strong problem-solving analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Qualifications we desire:
- Experience with large-scale bioreactors (50L) and process scale-up.
- Experience with optimizing protein expression in bioreactors.
- Experience with column chromatography systems
- Familiarity with molecular biology techniques (PCR cloning expression construct design).
Pay Range
$146340 - $185544 annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information :
#LI-Onsite
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Position Information
This is a Flexible Term appointment which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
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- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
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