Microbiologist/Microfluidics Scientist

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, USA

Job posting number: #7204699 (Ref:417044)

Posted: January 6, 2024

Job Description

The Babnigg group at the Biosciences Division (BIO) at Argonne National Laboratory is currently seeking a microbiologist/microfluidics scientist to support biological and imaging research activities. The focus of this role will be to participate in the isolation and phenotyping of plant-growth promoting microbes from rhizospheres, characterization of whole-cell biosensors engineered from those microbes in high-throughput experiments. Characterization techniques include biochemical assays and imaging experiments using confocal microscopy.

This role includes working on:

  • Support ongoing experiments focusing on sensor bacteria development
  • Phenotyping microbial isolates
  • In vitro characterization of sensors with fluorescent plate readers
  • In vivo characterization of sensor bacteria with or without plant seedlings
  • Confocal imaging of plant-microbe interactions
  • The use of microfluidic devices for the characterization of simplified microbial communities
  • Assistance with data processing and analysis
  • Assistance with report generation
  • Design and fabrication (3D printing, laser cutting)

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • RD1: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 0+ years of experience
  • Experience with microfluidic device fabrication and their use in droplet-based or droplet-free experiments
  • Experience with digital design and fabrication
  • Proficiency in microbiology, assay development, and HTP laboratory techniques
  • Proficiency with confocal microscopy
  • Proficiency with microfluidic techniques
  • Proficiency with data analysis and visualization software (e.g., GraphPad)
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Notes, etc.)
  • Proficiency with digital design software (e.g., Fusion 360, Inkscape, etc.)
  • Experience with microscopy setups and high-speed cameras
  • Experience with molecular biology, protein purification, and crystallization
  • Experience with fabrication (3D printing and laser cutting)
  • Knowledge of Windows and Linux operating systems, ability to work effectively with commonly used software packages in the laboratory
  • Strong analytical skills and a proven ability to solve complex problems
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment
  • Model Argonne National Laboratory's core values in all aspects of your work: impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of at least one of the following techniques: protein chemistry, enzymology, lab automation, complex microfluidic systems, electronic circuits, synchrotron techniques
  • Knowledge/experience with Python programming and data analysis packages
  • Ability to utilize and knowledge of databases and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
  • Knowledge in the fields of biological and environmental sciences

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Biology 1

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.



Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


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