Biotechnology Researcher for Microbial Genetic/Synthetic Biology Engineering

Join Us in Making a Difference in the Lives of Those Defending Our Nation!

Why SURVICE?

Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the United States. Since 1981, we have supported the DoD community, as well as Homeland Security, advanced technologies, environmental, and commercial markets. Our employees have backgrounds in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, acquisition, technical writing, training, and other technical and administrative fields. And many of our personnel have DoD and/or operational military experience. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career with a leading organization, come see what we can offer you!

Position

Biotechnology Researcher for Microbial Genetic/Synthetic Biology Engineering

• Location: Austin, Texas 
• Security Clearance: Active Clearance or Eligible to Obtain - U.S. citizenship required
• Salary: $105,000 - $130,000 Depending on Experience and Education
• Travel: 5%
• Benefits: SURVICE Engineering offers a total rewards package to include competitive salaries, comprehensive insurance options, paid time off, 401k, flexible spending, tuition reimbursement.

Position Summary

SURVICE Engineering is currently seeking a Biotechnology Researcher for Microbial Genetic/Synthetic Biology Engineering to support our Aberdeen Research Operation. You will accelerate your career and become an integral team member within the defense community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and execute the development of genetic circuits and constructs in microorganisms (including but not limited to E. coli and Gluconacetobacter sp.) for the production of bio-derived molecules and materials.
• Execute protocols for the engineering of microorganisms. Plan and execute workflows for microbial growth and engineering using sterile techniques in a BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) laboratory setting. Conduct measurements of microbial performance using state of the art methods (e.g. spectrophotometric, Ambr).
• Design and execute experiments to monitor microbial activity in engineered strains. Experiments may use microscopy, fluorescence analysis, or enzymatic/molecular assays.
• Familiarity with laboratory automation and development of automated workflows and data analysis for microbial engineering.
• As determined by Government requirements, the following activities shall be completed by the Contractor. The Contractor shall:
  • Set up and maintain microbial cultures in specified environments using sterile technique, autoclaving equipment, nutrient broth and agar plate preparation, inoculation, culture management, biohazardous waste disposal, and preparation of frozen stocks.
  • Ensure preparation and safe handling of hazardous chemicals that may have corrosivity, flammability, and toxicity risks, including liquids with acidic and alkaline pH, organic solvents, and others.
  • Use techniques for the quantification, synthesis, purification, and assembly of DNA such as PCR (including Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR), enzymatic kits for DNA manipulation, and gel electrophoresis.
  • Handle genetically engineered strains via electroporation and preparation of electrocompetent cells, use of antibiotics for clone selection, and testing for the presence of the introduced genes
  • Properly use instruments for fluorescence observations via flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, or plate reader, including sample preparation and fluorescence staining.
  • Perform enzymatic and molecular assays for kinetic or endpoint analyses.
  • Optimize protocols that use microbes in combination with material or chemical agents for their functionalization, fixation, immobilization, or entrapment.
  • Comply with policies on record-keeping and distribution limits for data and technical information.
  • Prepare and present presentations and written documents summarizing efforts in Government format for Form 1 approval (process of instruction provided by COR as GFI). Upon TO COR request, Contractor personnel shall present the information to staff, universities, private corporations, research institutes, national laboratories, or other Government research centers.
  • Participate in programmatic and technical meetings, both virtually and in-person.

Minimum Qualifications of Biotechnology Researcher for Microbial Genetic/Synthetic Biology Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences related field and 6+ years of relevant experience. Exceptional candidates with less experience will be considered. Candidates are not required to possess all qualifications; if you possess some of the desired qualifications, please apply.

• Knowledge of synthetic biology and biotechnology.
• Knowledge of molecular biology/engineering research as applied to non-medical applications.
• Experience designing and executing synthetic biology/microbial engineering experiments in microorganisms for materials or small molecule production.
• Understanding of basic molecular techniques

About Us

SURVICE Engineering is a nationally recognized, single-source engineering service provider for Government and Industry organizations involved in all phases of the systems engineering process. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and they are proud to have supported the development, testing, analysis, and modeling and simulation (M&S) of many of the major U.S. air, land, and sea combat systems in the field today. They have also contributed their expertise to other vital national defense programs and technologies that involve survivability, cybersecurity, information technology/management, software engineering, unmanned aerial systems (UASs), and metrology/reverse engineering.

SURVICE Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.