Job Description
Heidelberg University together with the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology and the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz established the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Center for Synthetic Genomics (CZS Center SynGen) to promote and develop the potential and application of synthetic genomics in the life and engineering sciences.
The newly established Synthetic DNA Accelerator Lab1 is central to the CZS Center SynGen and is committed to supporting other research groups with the long and complex DNA constructs they need for their synthetic genomics efforts. This lab will be for DNA Writing, what NGS core facilities are for DNA Reading. To this end, we are centralizing and developing cutting-edge infrastructure, workflows, methodologies and know-how for synthetic DNA sequence assembly and diversification. In addition, the lab will foster community building and public outreach to further accelerate the responsible adoption of synthetic genomics ideas. With this vision in mind, the Synthetic DNA Accelerator Lab belongs to the very few labs of its kind in the world and therefore offers unique opportunities to spearhead a young but rapidly developing field.
The Synthetic DNA Accelerator Lab of the CZS Center for Synthetic Genomics is recruiting two of the following positions starting from November, 1st, 2024 (limited for 2 years, with the prospect of an extension):
Bioengineer (f/m/d)
You will...
- implement and optimize standard laboratory workflows to assemble and diversify synthetic DNA designs using novel and innovative in vitro and in vivo DNA manipulation methods. This involves developing and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- document experimental results and present those at group meetings.
- operate the lab-s cutting-edge instrumentation including its robots for liquid and microbial colony handling.
- be responsible for keeping the lab-s instrumentation operable and manage their user allocation.
- interact with customers and independently handle some of their requests.
- train new lab members and visiting researchers so that they can perform DNA manipulation workflows independently.
- coordinate shipping of resources to customers and collaborators.
- maintain lab safety and keep the lab in a well-organized and clean state.
- be responsible for keeping track of lab stocks, ordering of consumables, waste management and routine calibration.
Essential qualifications:
- Exceptionally motivated to drive the adaptation of synthetic genomics approaches
- Kean to learn and adapt new and innovative techniques, protocols and methodologies
- Advanced theoretical training in (molecular) biotechnology and genetics
(e. g. B.Sc. in Biotechnology, or similar course of study for graduate engineers) - Experience in standard molecular biology and microbiology techniques
(e. g. molecular cloning, PCR, handling of E. coli) - Experienced in proper lab documentation
- Familiar with standard Office software
(e. g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or LibreOffice equivalents) - Excellent communication skills in English
Desirable qualifications:
- Post-training practical experience of 2+ years
- Experienced in S. cerevisiae genetics techniques
- Advanced technical training (BTA, CTA, or similar)
- Experienced with lab automation (e. g. robotic liquid and/or microbial colony handling)
- Experienced in instructing others in new lab techniques
- Affinity for technology development (wetware and hardware)
- Fluent in German
Interdisciplinary skills:
- Polite and clearly customer-oriented
- Structured, timely, reliable, tidy
- Eager to contribute to a collaborative, constructive and productive lab environment by being a friendly, proactive and supportive member of the group
The work in the Synthetic DNA Lab is a unique opportunity to fuel a paradigm shift in scientific thinking in the life and engineering sciences by working at the forefront of applying synthetic genomics ideas.
- Varied and ambitious work in an innovative and international scientific environment
- Work in a committed and collegial team
- Internal education program at the University of Heidelberg
- A subsidized Deutschlandticket
- Supplementary pension scheme (VBL)
The position may be filled in part-time. The salary grade will be up to E10 (TV-L) depending on experience.
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