Cameron Roots

Cameron is a recent graduate and postdoctoral fellow in the Barrick Lab at the University of Texas at Austin. He completed his B.S. in biochemistry and in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at the University of Washington. Afterwards, he completed a postbactorial study at the National Institutes of Health as an IRTA fellow. His current research is at the intersection of synthetic and evolutionary biology, exploring how engineered systems are prone to mutation and developing tools to help researchers keep theirs stable. His prior policy activities include institutional policy initiatives within the UT Austin Interdisciplinary Life Sciences programs; independent study and programming as a Graduate Archer Fellow; and as an intern on biomanufacturing, biosecurity, and AIxBio federal policy.

Efrain Rodriguez-Ocasio

Efrain Rodriguez Ocasio is originally from Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez with a B.S. in Industrial Biotechnology. During his undergraduate studies, Efrain served as a trustee on the Governing Board of the University of Puerto Rico, which oversees the 11 campuses of Puerto Rico’s public University. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University, where he developed microbial platforms for plastic waste upcycling and earned the ISU Research Excellence Award. Efrain is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research integrates metabolic and process modeling to identify new production targets for the decarbonization of the chemical industry and synthetic biology for industrial strain development.

Ross Klauer

Ross Klauer is a PhD candidate in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Ross is co-advised by Dr. Mark Blenner and Dr. Kevin Solomon. Ross’ research focuses on elucidating the polyethylene deconstruction pathway in the digestive system of plastic-eating yellow mealworms. He is working to identify and engineer enzymes for polyethylene deconstruction. Outside of lab, Ross enjoys playing soccer and is a competitive cornhole player.

Engineering Biology Metrics and Technical Standards for the Global Bioeconomy

Publication Date: May 2024

Coordinated by Imperial College London, EBRC, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the National University of Singapore (NUS), with support from Schmidt Sciences, this report responds to the need for standards and metrics and the lack of clarity on which standards to prioritize to aid the safe and efficient commercialization of engineering biology. The report identifies 10 key focus areas, including data standards, common definitions, metrics to quantify and scale up biological processes, and non-technical areas vital for the growth of the bioeconomy, including public engagement and regulatory clarity.

From Intent to Impact: Enabling Transdisciplinary Research for Responsible Scientific Stewardship

Publication Date: March 2024 | Originally published in the Journal of Science Policy & Governance

Global challenges are complex and must be tackled in a holistic manner. Understanding and addressing them requires collaboration across disciplines, often uniting the humanities and social and natural sciences, to ask better questions and identify practical and revolutionary solutions. Universities can be excellent vehicles for transformational change as they educate the next generation of civically-motivated thinkers to create meaningful action and impact. Too often systemic, artificial barriers exist within these institutions that prevent meaningful transdisciplinary collaboration from succeeding. We recommend that universities identify grand challenges and foster a culture of cross-department collaboration with appropriate internal and external resources to enable broader impacts. Together, funders and institutional policymakers play a critical strategic role in fostering civic scientists and transdisciplinary researchers to solve multifaceted global problems.

Transforming trash: strategies to develop waste into a feedstock for a circular bioeconomy

Publication Date: February 2024 | Originally published in Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining.

A strategy to develop agriculture and food production waste into biomanufacturing feedstocks that leverages existing, local waste streams; engineering biology; broad stakeholder collaboration; and federal coordination.

US-UK Engineering Biology Reception

The UK Science and Innovation Network is holding an in-person reception at 4:30pm ET on May 15 at Georgia Tech ahead of the EBRC Annual Meeting. Recognizing the critical need for international collaboration in harnessing engineering biology to address global challenges, and with clear overlapping areas of focus set out by both countries in the 2022 US Bioeconomy Executive Order and 2023 UK National Vision for Engineering Biology, this event aims to explore avenues to deepen the collaborative ties between both countries.

We invite all Annual Meeting participants to attend this event! Please register by May 6, 2024.

Register here

The reception will feature panel discussions on key challenges for engineering biology, with representation from the US and UK, and will conclude with informal networking to celebrate the power of cooperation in engineering biology. An agenda and additional programmatic information will be available soon.

Please reach out to Garrett Dunlap at garrett.dunlap@fcdo.gov.uk with any questions.

Addressing the Climate Crisis Through Engineering Biology

Publication Date: February 2024 | Originally published in npj Climate Action.

A companion piece to Engineering Biology for Climate & Sustainability: A Research Roadmap for a Cleaner Future, this publication features discussion of engineering biology research and development opportunities to impact climate change and long-term environmental sustainability, including why and how engineering biology and subsequent biotechnologies should be among the most prominent of approaches to overcoming the climate crisis. This publication also helps to contextualize the roadmap and advancement in engineering biology with broader policy, investment, and social considerations.

Enabling Quality, Measurable Synthetic DNA Sequence Screening

This project aims to improve DNA synthesis screening by enabling the development of better tools and mechanisms for screening performance evaluation.

Associate Project Manager

Engineering Biology Research Consortium (EBRC) is seeking an (Associate) Project Manager to conduct science policy research and engagement for the advancement of engineering biology. The incumbent will work with EBRC academic and institutional members, members of EBRC’s Student & Postdoc Association, government stakeholders, and the engineering biology community on new and ongoing projects aligned with EBRC’s mission. The (Associate) Project Manager will support the EBRC staff leader for one of EBRC’s four Focus Areas (Research Roadmapping, Policy & International Engagement, Security, and Education and Workforce Development) and assist in directing and supporting a member-led Working Group to develop and achieve EBRC program objectives. Particularly in the focus area for which they are primarily responsible, the (Associate) Project Manager may help develop programs, activities, policy proposals, and communication materials that improve the ability of engineering biology researchers to advance and accelerate their work. Reporting to EBRC’s Executive Director, and working as a member of the EBRC Team, the Associate Project Manager may contribute to organizational goal setting, funding ideas and proposals, and supporting community engagement and outreach.

Recent and ongoing projects include:

Engineering Biology Metrics and Technical Standards for the Global Bioeconomy

Engineering Biology for Space Health: An Innovative Research Roadmap

Enabling Quality, Measurable Synthetic DNA Sequence Screening

Interested individuals can apply here (links to external hiring site). EBRC staff are hired and employed through a service agreement with BioMADE (https://www.biomade.org/). While EBRC operations and business services (including HR) are provided via BioMADE , EBRC is a separate, non-profit organization, with a distinct and unique mission. Hiring and employment decisions are at the discretion of EBRC leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Work with the EBRC Executive Director and staff, EBRC members, and the engineering biology community to identify needs, challenges, and opportunities relevant to advancing engineering biology.

Support the lead staff for Focus Area(s) and Working Group(s); help support the Working Group (WG) chair and engage members to set goals and achieve objectives.

Help facilitate dialogue between government officials, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Support outreach and engagement initiatives to grow and strengthen the engineering biology community, including towards goals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

As appropriate, help develop proposals, programs, and activities that leverage member expertise to advance capacity and address challenges in engineering biology, particularly in the Focus Area(s) they are primarily supporting.

Help incorporate cross-disciplinary technical and non-technical topics (e.g. ethics, security, bioeconomy, training/education, regulation, diversity, equity, etc) critical to engineering biology into program activities.

Develop expert knowledge on trends in national and global research in engineering biology in support of organizational goals.

Develop and/or contribute to high-quality reports, research articles, white papers, proposals, or other materials on the state of the field and policy issues from various sectors, by independently conducting research and analysis, and/or by supporting and facilitating contributions from expert EBRC members.

Where appropriate, contribute to communication for activities and dissemination of EBRC reports and products; help develop briefing materials for US Government agencies and/or leadership.

Other duties as assigned or as they become apparent.

Requirements

PhD with 1 year experience, or Master’s Degree in a relevant field with 2-4 years’ experience in a social science or public policy-related field.

Demonstrated experience in science policy and the ability to work at the interface of research and government.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including experience writing for diverse audiences.

Demonstrable engagement on topics relevant to ethics, responsible conduct, and/or diversity, equity and inclusion.

Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing stakeholder relationships.

Experience working in an academic research laboratory and/or a demonstrated (technical or social sciences) research background and the requisite professional experiences to independently conduct research and publish.

Desired Characteristics

Strong project management and organization skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Strong understanding of modern information technology (Google Suite, Zoom, Adobe applications, etc.)

Experience, knowledge and/or expertise in one of the four Technical Themes (i.e., Data Science, Engineering DNA, Host Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering), and/or the five Application and Impact Sectors (i.e., Climate & Environment, Food & Agriculture, Energy, Health & Medicine, Industrial Biotech) described in EBRC’s Engineering Biology: A Research Roadmap for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy (2019).

About the Organization
EBRC is a non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to bringing together an inclusive community committed to advancing engineering biology to address national and global needs. It showcases cutting- edge research in engineering biology, identifies pressing challenges and opportunities in research and application, and articulates compelling research roadmaps and programs to address these challenges and opportunities.

EBRC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience, an annual bonus plan, and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with a 6% match, short- and long-term disability, basic and supplemental life insurance, PTO, and a generous holiday calendar.

Vaccination Requirements
Must be fully vaccinated; You are considered up to date with your vaccines if you have gotten all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, (two weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, or a second dose of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, or two weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine), as well as Bivalent booster.

EOE Statement
EBRC recognizes the value of diversity in the scientific endeavor. We nurture merit, talent, and achievement by supporting equal opportunity and encouraging diversity and welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs to join us in our mission.

EBRC and BioMADE are equal opportunity employers to all and make hiring and employment decisions without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Hybrid Work Statement
EBRC offers flexible (hybrid) work options based on business roles and needs.

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Internship Program: Submit an Internship Opportunity

Please use this form to share information about your existing or upcoming internship opportunities!

Starting in 2023, EBRC will transition our Industry Internship Program to be an Internship Portal. We are scaling back our facilitation and will no longer coordinate student applications, coordinate interviews, or make matches/placements, decreasing the operational burden for some companies and for EBRC. Importantly, however, EBRC will still facilitate connections between students in the community looking for internships and the member companies and affiliated organizations that are seeking interns through a revised version of our website (ebrc.org/internship). We will also offer guidance and suggestions for host organizations and for students on how to have a successful internship.

Information submitted through this form (except where indicated) will be displayed on our Internship Portal webpage for students to learn about and connect with your in-house internship programs or opportunities.

Security Considerations at the Intersection of Engineering Biology and Artificial Intelligence

Publication Date: November 2023

This white paper describes three areas at the intersection of engineering biology and artificial intelligence that may yield significant security concerns: de novo biological design, closed-loop autonomous laboratories, and natural language Large Language Models. It describes each area, identifies potential security concerns, and offers ideas for the potential mitigation of those concerns, ultimately calling for an international forum to continually address this evolving issue.

NIST RFI on Implementation of US National Standards Strategy

Publication Date: November 2023

EBRC’s response to the request by NIST to support the Implementation of the United States Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET). With a focus on engineering biology technologies, we provide critical considerations for engaging private sector stakeholders in transparent, equitable, and accessible standards development activities.

Building a Robust Bioeconomy Workforce: A Policy Approach to Bridging the Gap in Undergraduate Experiential Learning

Publication Date: October 2023 | Originally published in Journal of Science Policy & Governance

This publication addresses the importance of hands-on learning and training opportunities in engineering biology education and workforce development, with information and recommendations sourced from EBRC Industry and Academic members.

Introduction to Engineering Biology: A Conceptual Framework for Teaching Synthetic Biology

Publication Date: June 2023 | Originally published in ACS Synthetic Biology

This publication is a companion piece to our Introduction to Engineering Biology curriculum module that was created and released in 2022.

Potential Changes to the Policies for Oversight of DURC and the P3CO Policy Framework

Publication Date: October 2023

Potential Changes to the Policies for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) and the Potential Pandemic Pathogen Care and Oversight (P3CO) Policy Framework: An EBRC Response to OSTP RFI 88 FR 60513.

Identifying Ambiguities, Gaps, Inefficiencies, and Uncertainties in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology

Publication Date: February 2023

Identifying Ambiguities, Gaps, Inefficiencies, and Uncertainties in the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology: An EBRC Response to OSTP RFI 87FR77900

National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative: An EBRC Response to OSTP RFI 87FR77901

Publication Date: January 2023

Space Health Roadmap In-person Workshop 1

This workshop is by invitation only, with a limited number of attendees. This active writing workshop will focus on drafting our technical research roadmap to advance engineering biology tools and technologies for human health and well-being in space and related application opportunities on Earth.

Registration for this workshop is now closed.

Detailed Agenda Coming Soon! The workshop will be held at the J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla, CA. Participants can expect the workshop to run from 8:00am-5:00pm on December 14, and 8:00am-3:00pm on December 15.

Workshop Objectives

Participants will identify and discuss opportunities for advancement in engineering biology to support the health and well-being of human travelers to space, including applications in food and nutrition, medicine, and environmental control.

Participants will directly contribute to the roadmap by drafting roadmap elements, including breakthrough capabilities, milestones, and discrete technical challenges.

Participants will have the opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow researchers across disciplines, opening the door to future collaborations and partnerships.

Travel Support and Meeting Hotel:
We anticipate covering travel expenses for academics, including students and postdocs. Please see EBRC’s full travel policy here.

Hotel information coming soon. Please indicate on the registration page if you anticipate needing hotel accommodations. If your travel is not covered by EBRC, you can provide payment at check-in. Please contact helix@ebrc.org with any questions.

For more information about the roadmap or workshop, please contact Emily (eaurand@ebrc.org)

Space Health Roadmap In-person Workshop 2

This workshop is by invitation only, with a limited number of attendees. This active writing workshop will focus on drafting our technical research roadmap to advance engineering biology tools and technologies for human health and well-being in space and related application opportunities on Earth.

Registration is now closed.

For those eligible for travel support, please register by February 8; Registration closes February 16.

Detailed Agenda Coming Soon! Participants can expect the workshop to run from 8:00am-5:00pm on March 4, and 8:00am–3:00pm on March 5.

Workshop Objectives

Participants will identify and discuss opportunities for advancement in engineering biology to support the health and well-being of human travelers to space, including applications in food and nutrition, medicine, and environmental control.

Participants will directly contribute to the roadmap by drafting roadmap elements, including breakthrough capabilities, milestones, and discrete technical challenges.

Participants will have the opportunity to network and share ideas with fellow researchers across disciplines, opening the door to future collaborations and partnerships.

Travel Support:
We anticipate covering travel expenses for academics, including students and postdocs. Please see EBRC’s full travel policy here.

Meeting Hotel:

Hilton NASA Clear Lake
3000 NASA Pkwy
Houston, TX 77058

Please indicate on the registration page if you anticipate needing hotel accommodations; once the workshop location has been selected, we will follow up to confirm your hotel reservation needs. If your travel is not covered by EBRC, you can provide payment at check-in. Please contact helix@ebrc.org with any questions rather than contacting the hotel directly.

For more information about the roadmap or workshop, please contact Emily (eaurand@ebrc.org)

For information on EBRC’s travel policies, please contact helix@ebrc.org.

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