Systems Biology Modeling Lead

OverviewThe Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.ResponsibilitiesThe Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) is a Department of Energy, Office of Science, User Facility sponsored by the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program. At EMSL, our researchers advance BER’s mission to achieve a predictive understanding of complex biological, Earth, and environmental systems, collaborating on projects with researchers from academia, other government laboratories, and industry. Scientists around the world partner with us to use our world-class laboratory space, expertise, and equipment, building a research community empowered to study the role of molecular processes in controlling the functioning of biological and ecological systems across spatial and temporal scales, and to enable a predictive understanding of the living Earth system.The Computing, Analytics, and Modeling Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a senior expert in systems biology, metabolic modeling, and computational science to lead design, development, and delivery of predictive modeling capabilities of microbial systems to support BER mission science. This is a high visibility, high impact position executing on our strategic plans for accelerating the feedback loop between modeling and high-throughput experimental capabilities. The successful candidate will have a passion for both cutting-edge metabolic modeling and computational platforms enabling relevant modeling frameworks, as well as for developing technological roadmaps aligned to EMSL's decadal strategic plan and influencing organizational outcomes.As the Systems Biology Modeling Lead in the Computing, Analytics, and Modeling group, you will be responsible for:

Architecting and leading development of systems biology modeling capabilities, infrastructure, and practices to complement EMSL’s experimental capabilities and science focuses, including by assessing emerging modeling approaches for their value to EMSL’s mission

Enabling the creation, refinement, and application of systems biology models (particularly constraint-based genome-scale metabolic models incorporating mass-spec-based omics data, as well as data-driven models leveraging new ML/AI methods) to advance our understanding of environmental processes and expand biodesign/biomanufacturing capabilities

Working with leaders at EMSL and across PNNL to embed state-of-the-art modeling capabilities throughout EMSL's science and technology activities (for example, improving experimental design, using AI-based software agents to drive and analyze simulation software, and integrating modeling with lab automation)

Resolving solutions to strategic challenges by leveraging software and platforms from across the systems biology, computational biology, and data science communities and those with large-scale computing resources (for example, traditional high-performance computing platforms and cloud computing resources)

Defining and then realizing a set of key roles for systems biology modeling within the EMSL user program. Examples include the development of call topics; working with experimental and computational scientists to recruit innovative user proposals; and communicating priority challenges and needs for internal investments.

Developing scientific vision and writing competitive research proposals to governmental agencies.

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in systems biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, or related field

Knowledge of systems biology, microbiology, and microbial metabolism

Demonstrated verbal and written communications skills including the ability to communicate efficiently with experimentalists and general audiences

Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate effectively on diverse, interdisciplinary, distributed research teams

Demonstrated organizational skills that include prioritizing work in dynamic environments, delivering results on-time and on-budget, and creating effective and agile research plans.

Expertise with constraint-based genome-scale metabolic models, metabolic flux analysis, and flux balance analysis, and knowledge of variants, including dynamic flux balance analysis and isotope-assisted metabolic flux analysis. The ideal candidate will have experience with the GECKO (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-023-00931-7 ) and the KBase (https://www.kbase.us/ ) platforms for metabolic modeling, and the use of mass-spec-based omics data (proteomics and metabolomics) to inform model building and refinement, as well as to design optimal experiments.

Experience with Linux-based software development for scientific applications, scientific computing technologies and high-performance computing platforms and tools

Experience integrating scientific software components and working with operations teams for deployment

Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot applicableAdditional InformationNot applicable“Referral Eligible”Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.HSPD-12 PIV Credential RequirementIn accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.

Once eligibility requirements are met.Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.Minimum SalaryUSD $117,100.00/Yr.Maximum SalaryUSD $185,100.00/Yr.