Computational Systems Biologist/Engineer

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Computational Systems Biologist for the National Security Business Unit. This full-time position is located in Columbus, Ohio. Some domestic and international travel is anticipated.

As a Computational Systems Biologist, you will play a pivotal role in conducting cutting-edge research by leveraging your expertise in computational biology, systems biology, metabolic modeling, and using other bioinformatics tools. The successful candidate will demonstrate technical leadership and provide invaluable support in modeling and predicting natural and synthetic regulatory networks, predict metabolic changes for microbial metabolic engineering efforts, building genome-scale metabolic models, and leveraging other state-of-the-art omics and modeling tools. The candidate should have proficiency with programming languages such as Python and R, bioinformatics tools, systems biology modeling packages, metabolic modeling packages such as COBRA-Py, and others. Additionally, you will actively identify and capitalize on opportunities to lead projects that enhance capabilities and foster the development of novel technical approaches. This position offers an opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and generating significant contributions to the field of protein biochemistry.

Responsibilities
Conduct combined modeling and experimental campaigns to combine metabolic models and experimental data to predict and model microbial metabolism and ways to improve microbial strains for biomanufacturing.
Assist with development of genome scale models of biomanufacturing microbial strains.
Work independently to meet study or campaign objectives and meet deliverables with some oversight.
Work closely with analytical chemists and biologists to design and develop experiments to understand microbial and plant metabolism.
Work with large data sets to integrate into models of biological systems.
Analyze and interpret experimental data, and contribute to the preparation of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations.
Train and mentor junior technical staff.

Some domestic and potential international travel is anticipated.

Key Qualifications
PhD and 0-4+ years of experience in biochemistry or a related field.
Expertise in metabolic modeling and genome scale modeling approaches such as COBRApy and OptKnock.
Experience developing and refining systems biology-based models of biochemical reaction networks.
Experience/proven ability to script and code using R, Python, and/or Bash/Unix shell.
Excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and attention to detail.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to travel.
Sufficiently medically fit to work in the laboratory and in the field to perform assigned duties.
U.S. citizenship, with the ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches involving biological systems.
Experience working within laboratory quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO17025, GLP).
Experience with high-throughput automation equipment and data sets derived from these systems.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
Flexible work arrangements: You have options for where you work and when you work.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
Collaborate with world-class experts in an inclusive environment
Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers