Post-Doctoral Fellow- Synthetic Cell (Glass Lab) at J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

We seek a doctorate level scientist to be the laboratory lead in a project to construct a true synthetic bacterial cell. Previous JCVI efforts produced living cells with synthetic genomes (1, 2). This effort, called the Living Cell from Non-Living Parts project, will assemble bacteria from non-living parts that include a chemically synthesized genome, a cell free extract capable of performing in vitro transcription and translation from lysed Mycoplasma capricolum cells (3), and synthetic liposomes. Additionally, it is likely that the work will require installation of a functioning secretory system in the M. capricolum cell free extract containing liposomes before a mycoplasma JCVI-syn3A genome is installed in the cell, because literature reports indicate there will be difficulty in getting newly translated secretory system proteins into the cell membrane with the assistance of a preexisting cell free membrane. While plans are in place for how a JCVI-syn3A genome, M. capricolumcell free extracts, and synthetic liposomes will be assembled to make a cell we hope will come alive, we are aware that significant problem solving may be necessary if the parts assembled do not boot up.

This scientist will be located at the JCVI campus in La Jolla, CA. They will be supervised by the JCVI’s head of Synthetic Biology, John Glass. They will collaborate closely with Dr. Kate Adamala, a biochemist at the University of Minnesota who specializes in constructing synthetic liposomes.

Relevant Literature

1. Gibson DG, Glass JI, Lartigue C, Noskov VN, Chuang RY, Algire MA, Benders GA, Montague MG, Ma L, Moodie MM, Merryman C, Vashee S, Krishnakumar R, Assad-Garcia N, Andrews-Pfannkoch C, Denisova EA, Young L, Qi ZQ, Segall-Shapiro TH, Calvey CH, Parmar PP, Hutchison CA, 3rd, Smith HO, Venter JC.2010. Creation of a bacterial cell controlled by a chemically synthesized genome. Science 329:52-6.

2. Hutchison CA, 3rd, Chuang RY, Noskov VN, Assad-Garcia N, Deerinck TJ, Ellisman MH, Gill J, Kannan K, Karas BJ, Ma L, Pelletier JF, Qi ZQ, Richter RA, Strychalski EA, Sun L, Suzuki Y, Tsvetanova B, Wise KS, Smith HO, Glass JI, Merryman C, Gibson DG, Venter JC.2016. Design and synthesis of a minimal bacterial genome. Science 351:aad6253.

3. Sakai A, Jonker AJ, Nelissen FHT, Kalb EM, van Sluijs B, Heus HA, Adamala KP, Glass JI, Huck WTS.2023. Cell-Free Expression System Derived from a Near-Minimal Synthetic Bacterium. ACS Synth Biol 12:1616-1623.

Essential Functions

• Assists with conducting research in defined areas related to the goals of the Institute and the Living Cell from Non-Living Parts project.

• Designs and executes scientific experiments and/or scientific software; analyzes and interprets experimental results/data; reviews findings with Dr. Glass and Dr. Adamala.

• Maintains detailed and complete records of laboratory work and data analysis, as well as abides by the data management plan of the Institute. Organizes and archives data for others to access later.

• Trains and supervises research associates and/or students and/or data specialists assigned to the Living Cell from Non-Living Parts project.

• Publishes results of scientific work in peer-reviewed journals.

• Keeps current with knowledge in relevant scientific discipline through continued reading of the literature.

• Attends and participates in national and international scientific meetings.

• Participates in JCVI laboratory meetings and scientific working groups.

• Interacts with the Laboratory Director and Department Director on matters of mutual scientific interest.

• Works cooperatively with other staff when necessary to achieve JCVI research goals.

• Abides by environmental, health and safety policies and procedures. This includes reporting potential hazards and when necessary helping to implement solutions to ensure safety and respect for the environment.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Strictly adheres to all documented JCVI policies and procedures to include carrying out all functions required of Institute employees (i.e. completion of timesheets in an accurate and timely manner).

Prerequisites

• M.D. or Ph.D. in relevant scientific discipline, such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Synthetic Biology required. Hands-on laboratory experience preferably in an independent project preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in the new field of synthetic cells.

• High level of discretion for confidential work and information; ability to appropriately handle critical information and sensitive situations.

• Ability to conduct investigations in relevant scientific areas.

• Must be able to formulate experimental hypotheses and analyze and interpret scientific data.

• Strong computer aptitude, including experience with word processing and/or spreadsheet software and/or data analysis and database software.

• Familiarity with standard laboratory safety procedures.

• Excellent organization, communication, and time management skills.

• Flexibility to handle a variety of tasks and shift priorities simultaneously.

• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; ability to work as an effective team member.

• Cooperative and service-oriented attitude; must be able to work under pressure and maintain a professional demeanor.

• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively solve problems within the scope of the position.

• High level of initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision.

• Superior verbal and written communications skills.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic)


• Ability to work in a confined area.


• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.


• Ability to stand and/or sit for an extended period of time while working in the lab.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard reach, stoop kneel to install computer equipment


• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer and lab work


• Light to moderate lifting is required

J. Craig Venter Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

Apply Now