Assistant Research Scientist - Environmental Biotechnology

Department: Great Lakes Research Center

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Job Description Summary

The Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) seeks to create, expand, and accelerate research activities in environmental biotechnology. As a leading research Institute, the GLRC is a flagship Center of Excellence integrating faculty and professional researchers in multidisciplinary research collaborations to address critical challenges facing society. The Institute provides a full spectrum of research services, currently to more than 70 affiliated researchers from eighteen academic and non-academic units across campus, with annual research expenditures approaching 10M.

The GLRC is seeking a research scientist to join our organization and the launch of a new thrust area in environmental biotechnology, including genomic biology, computational biology, systems and synthetic biology, bioenergy, and biosecurity. Ideal candidates will have a PhD in biology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or closely related discipline; have education or experience in translational research and/or commercialization; and must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

• Seek and develop a sustainable research program that includes leading a portfolio of externally funded research
• Contribute to the research success of others including faculty and other research staff through proposal development, submission, and successful project implementation
• Participate in research dissemination through publication in peer-reviewed journals and through presentations at conferences and participation in technical workshops and working groups
• Cultivate a network of external collaborators and partners to facilitate idea generation and innovation through research activities that promote the mission of the Institute and the University.
• Participate in GLRC Institute activities and initiatives to support research growth
• Commit to supporting a team environment
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• PhD in Biology, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline
• Minimum of two-years’ experience beyond degree

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

• Demonstrated expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, or genomics
• Experience leading and working in multidisciplinary research teams
• Experience obtaining and managing grants and contracts
• Demonstrated experience in translating scientific information into research products and public communications for dissemination by non-technical audiences

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience with at least two of the following: microbial community analysis and engineering, metagenomics, bioprocess engineering, or protein biochemistry
• NSF I-Corps or similar training
• Experience de-risking of early-stage technologies
• Experience with translational research like SBIR/STTR
• Experience developing and implementing intellectual property strategy
• Business development and other entrepreneurial experience
• Experience working with Department of Defense clients
• Investigator and/or senior personnel role on existing grants/contracts

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

• Strong research,