Protein & Bioprocess Engineering - Postdoctoral Researcher

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

We are seeking a dedicated, highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct high-impact multidiscplinary research at the interface between biochemistry, protein engineering, and materials science.  You will actively participate in research and collaborate across multiple discliplines to engineer protein-based platforms for cell free biocatalysis. This position sits within the Systems and Synthetic Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division, a broadly interdisciplinary organization operating at the frontiers of applied biology.

In this role you will:

• Conduct advanced application-oriented research in protein engineering and immobilization

• Design, engineer, and characterize innovative protein-based modules for cell-free biocatalysis

• Develop assays to enable quantitative characterization of enzymes and reconstituted pathways

• Integrate next-generation biocompatible materials with engineered biologics in pursuit of multiple biotechnological applications

• Develop research plans, generate results, and publish peer-reviewed papers

• Work with other scientists to write proposals and expand our program into new areas aligned with your expertise and interests

• Write reports to funding agencies and participate in scientific conferences

• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings

• Perform other duties as assigned

• PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering or other relevant field with a strong emphasis in protein biology

• Interdisciplinary training that spans biology, chemistry, and engineering (OR Broad training that spans the biological sciences and engineering)

• Experience in protein purification and engineering, and in biochemical/biophysical assays for characterizing protein function and stability

• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature

• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and successfully communicate technical information

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experience with protein immobilization in hydrogels, biopolymers, beads, or similar supports
• Experience with GC-MS
• Experience with protein design and evolution

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.  Eligible candidates are those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

LLNL demonstrates its commitment to public safety by requiring that all new Laboratory employees be immunized against COVID-19 unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to all new hires including those who will be working on site, as well as those who will be teleworking.

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)  For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via our online form. 

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