Avav
Computational Scientist – Microbial Metabolic Modeling and Simulation
WPAFB, USA
No sponsorship$89k-$135kDetected 15 days ago
PythonMATLABProcess ImprovementBioinformaticsCRISPRMolecular BiologyResearchLab ResearchCollaborationFermentation
About the role
- You will work alongside scientists responsible for conducting laboratory experiments and will help integrate computational and experimental approaches to advance research objectives.
- Test predictive metabolic models against candidate strain performance at pilot-scale levels.
- ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR").
Responsibilities
- Translate In Silico Designs to the Bench: Serve as the primary bridge between dry-lab and wet-lab operations
- High-Throughput Simulation & Selection: Develop and execute robust, automated high-throughput computational workflows (such as Flux Balance Analysis [FBA], MOMA, or regulatory flux modeling) to screen thousands of genetic perturbation strategies, successfully isolating rare "hit" strain designs from background metabolic noise.
- You will feed this high-quality experimental data back into the computational models to validate predictive capabilities, troubleshoot failures, and guide the design of the next, smarter round of strain optimization.
- Translate In Silico Designs to the Bench: Serve as the primary bridge between dry-lab and wet-lab operations; take candidate metabolic pathways, knock-out strategies, and over-expression targets generated via computational modeling and successfully translate them into actionable engineering strategies for the wet-lab team.
- AV is seeking a Computational Scientist specializing in Microbial Metabolic Modeling and Simulation to work with the AFRL Biological Materials and Processing Research Team to spearhead the in silico design, evaluation, and optimization of microbial hosts for advanced bioproduction and material synthesis.
- You will develop predictive genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs), simulate metabolic fluxes, and identify genetic intervention strategies to maximize yield, titer, and productivity of target molecules.
- Develop computational models of microbial systems and write code to analyze and predict microbial behavior.
- Collaborate closely with laboratory scientists to design experiments, interpret results, and refine models based on experimental data.
- Prior wet-lab experience is highly desirable, as this role requires serving as an active research partner rather than solely a computational contributor.
- Maintain a strong feedback loop between laboratory scientists and the modeling team, using experimental results to iteratively refine computational models and guide subsequent rounds of laboratory research, improving accuracy and accelerating discovery.
Requirements
- Candidates with an M.S. and 2+ years of experience will be considered.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required due to government facility access requirements.
- Technical Expertise:
- it is expected that they will have experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the listed areas.
- Kinetic & Dynamic Modeling: Knowledge of dynamic flux balance analysis (dFBA) or kinetic modeling of metabolic pathways.
- Automation & Scripting: Experience with high-throughput scripting, cloud computing, or automated pipeline workflows (Python, R, MATLAB) for scale-level simulation and data analysis.
- Multi-Omics Integration: Experience with (or willingness to learn) integration datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) into metabolic flux models to help interpret experimental data and refine constraints.
- U.S. Citizenship required
Nice to have
- Proficiency in constraint-based metabolic modeling (e.g., COBRA toolbox in Python/MATLAB) and experience modeling standard industrial hosts ( E. coli, yeast) and/or non-conventional microbial platforms.
- Preferred Skills
Compensation
- $88,500 - $135,000
Benefits
- AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
- For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
Company info
- http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
- We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
- Principals only need apply.
- NO agencies please.
- Founded by legendary innovator Dr.
Equal opportunity
- We are proud to be an EEO/AA
- Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
- AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Visa & Work Authorization
- Citizenship: U
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