Synthetic Chemistry Automation & Advanced Manufacturing - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL•Livermore, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in synthetic organic chemistry with demonstrated proficiency in the design, synthesis, purification, and structural characterization of small molecules and heterocyclic compounds. You will contribute to the development of innovative synthetic methodologies for energetic small molecules, with an emphasis on flow synthesis, reaction optimization, and advanced manufacturing approaches. Responsibilities include executing multistep organic synthesis, developing and improving continuous flow processes, supporting material purification and crystallization, and applying analytical characterization techniques for compound identification and purity assessment. This position is in the Functional Materials Synthesis and Integration Group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC). This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience in designing, executing, and optimizing synthetic routes and experimental procedures using modern organic synthesis techniques.
Hands-on experience in continuous-flow chemistry, including design, operation, optimization, and troubleshooting of flow reactors and associated synthesis workflows.
Demonstrated experience in the scale-up of telescoped and continuous flow processes, including synthesis, crystallization, liquid-liquid separations, and heterogeneous reaction systems.
Proven ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and relate findings to chemical structure, processing, and material or chemical properties.
Demonstrated experience in compound isolation, purification, and characterization using analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, UV spectroscopy, DART-MS, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, Raman, DSC, and TGA.
Proven ability to conduct independent research, work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and successfully manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at scientific conferences or technical meetings.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in heterogeneous acid catalysis, including catalyst design, synthesis, characterization, and application in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction development.
Hands-on experience programming and operating automated synthesis workstations, flow reactor systems, or equivalent automated reactor platforms, in support of synthesis and formulation research.
Experience in nitration chemistry and working with energetic compounds, including pyrotechnics, explosives or propellants.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and optimize synthetic routes and experimental procedures using modern organic synthesis methods, with emphasis on heterocyclic and small-molecule chemistry and the development of continuous flow processes.
Apply and interpret analytical techniques commonly used in synthetic organic chemistry, including NMR, HPLC, MS, IR, and UV spectroscopy, to characterize and evaluate synthesized compounds.
Analyze experimental data to establish structure, process, and property relationships, and use these insights to guide scientific understanding and future research directions.
Document research findings in technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Present research results to sponsors and the broader scientific community through technical meetings and scientific conferences.
Develop and pursue an independent research direction that complements and align with broader programmatic goals.
Collaborate effectively with internal and external research partners and contribute to multidisciplinary research efforts.
Manage assigned research activities to meet project timelines and deliverables, while proactively communicating risks, challenges, or deviations to program and line management.
Perform other duties as assigned.