Synthetic Biology Scientist

Job summary

Entity:

Technology

Job Family Group:

Research & Technology Group

Job Description:

The Fuels and Low Carbon Technology (F&LCT) team consists of over 300 technologists, scientists, and engineers who develop pioneering solutions to support BP’s Fuels, Refining, Bioenergy, and Hydrogen businesses. This group also supports the Technology division through innovation management, modeling, digital science, and academic research programs.

The Bioenergy & Hydrogen Technology team (B&HT) brings together scientists and engineers dedicated to delivering low-carbon energy solutions that align with BP’s strategy, while also supporting the technological needs of our oil and gas projects. The team works across many of BP’s businesses, advancing areas such as novel feedstocks, biofuels and advanced biofuels, and hydrogen.

The Opportunity

The Synthetic Biology Scientist will report to the Synthetic Biology Manager. The successful candidate will play a key role in designing and improving biocatalysts and bioprocesses, applying advanced molecular biology and microbial engineering technologies to conduct laboratory experiments in support of our bioenergy projects. The individual will join a group of collaborative scientists and should possess strong communication abilities, outstanding interdisciplinary problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and a keen interest in scientific discovery. This position requires extensive hands-on work at the bench and recent experience in independently delivering experimental results.

Key Accountabilities

Design and conduct experiments with a high level of excellence, delivering results needed for the Biosciences Center’s research portfolio.

Provide expertise in tools and methods for microbial cell engineering and molecular biology.

Apply innovative approaches for genome editing, DNA extraction and assembly, next-generation sequencing, gene expression, microbial cell transformation, and evaluation.

Perform data analysis and interpretation, generating high-quality reports and presentations.

Maintain accurate records of experiments and data.

Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills.

Exhibit attention to detail and troubleshooting capabilities.

Operate independently and effectively in a fast-paced, multitasking environment, with the skills for communicating and creating meaningful team interactions.

This lab-based role is expected to spend approximately 80% of the time working in the laboratory, delivering high-quality results to support bioscience projects and capability building.

Promote safety initiatives and champion compliance with BP’s Code of Conduct.

Essential Criteria and Qualifications

Experience independently setting up and performing molecular biology and microbiology experiments, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of laboratory results.

Proficiency with laboratory methods common to microbiology and biochemistry, such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning, cell culture, and transformation.

Experience working with various microbial hosts (bacteria, fungi).

Experience with pioneering genome engineering and cloning methodologies.

Familiarity with next-generation sequencing methodologies and analysis

Familiarity with laboratory automation workstations and/or high-throughput screening.

Knowledge of experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and literature review.

Ability to prioritize responsibilities, respond flexibly to changing priorities, and work effectively in a multitasking and matrix environment.

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Commitment to continuous improvement and progression of work.

Ability to work safely and independently with minimal supervision; adept at formulating new SOPs as well as performing tasks reliably according to existing SOPs.

Capacity to learn quickly, acquire new skills, and develop expertise in new scientific areas.

Dedication to maintaining safety in the work environment.

Education

PhD or Master’s plus 4+ years of experience in biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, biology, synthetic biology, chemistry, or related fields.

Required Skills

Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills.

Proficiency in molecular biology tools and strategies, data analysis software, and laboratory procedures.

Desirable Criteria

Experience with analytical chemistry techniques such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, or GC-MS.

Laboratory experience and data analysis for genomics, transcriptomics, and 16S rRNA studies.

Experience with model and non-model microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, and fungi.

Why join us

At bp, we support our people to learn and grow in a diverse and exciting environment. We believe that our team is strengthened by diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment in which everyone is respected and treated fairly.

There are many aspects of our employees’ lives that are important, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits can include flexible working options, a generous paid parental leave policy, and excellent retirement benefits, among others!

How much do we pay ? 100- 143K. *Note that the base pay range listed for this position is a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible base compensation at the time of posting. This position is eligible for US Benefits – Core. This position offers paid vacation depending on your years of relevant industry experience and will range from 120-240 hours if vacation per year for full time employees (60-240 hours of vacation per year for part time employees). You will also be eligible for 9 paid holidays per year and 2 personal choice holidays. You may learn more about how we calculate paid vacation and view our generous benefits at Core U.S. Benefits SPD. Bp has a paternal leave policy as well, which offers up to 8 weeks’ paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. Learn more by visiting Core U.S. Benefits SPD. We offer a reward and wellbeing package to enable your work to fit with your life. These offerings includes a discretionary annual bonus program, long-term incentive program, and a generous 401K matching program. You may learn more about our generous benefits at Core U.S. Benefits SPD. As a part of bp’s wellbeing package bp offers access to health, vision and dental insurance, as well as short-term disability and long-term disability. You may learn more about our generous benefits at Core U.S. Benefits SPD.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Travel Requirement

Up to 10% travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Agility core practices, Analytical Thinking, Bioprocess Design, Catalysis (Inactive), Chemical kinetic modelling, Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Curiosity, Experimental Design, Group Problem Solving, Industry technology knowledge, Intellectual Asset Management, Life cycle and circularity, Multi-physics modelling, New process technology scale-up, Novel process development, Pilot and demonstration plant operation, Presenting, Process Safety Engineering, Science and Technology Leadership, Scientific publication, Talent Matching, Technoeconomic evaluation of processes, Thermophysical modelling, Thought Leadership

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.