Synthetic Biologist - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct fundamental and applied synthetic biology research for critical metal recovery and/or bioremediation. The work involves identifying, characterizing, and engineering novel proteins and pathways under the guidance of senior scientific staff. The position is in the Synthetic Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This is a two-year postdoctoral appointment, with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. It is a temporary, mentored training position for individuals early in their postdoctoral research careers. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within five years of the anticipated start date. The position requires full-time on-site presence.

The successful candidate will conduct research using established and innovative experimental approaches, develop and execute high-throughput assays, analyze results, and contribute to publications, technical reports, and proposals. They will present research outcomes and pursue independent but complementary research interests while collaborating with scientists within and outside the Laboratory. Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act. No security clearance is required, but assignments exceeding 179 cumulative days in a calendar year require Personal Identity Verification and background-check approval.

Requirements

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act.
• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field emphasizing genetic engineering and molecular biology.
• Strong background in bacterial physiology and strain engineering for environmental or industrial applications, demonstrated through doctoral research, publications, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in library-scale cloning and engineering bacterial strains, and with common molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques.
• Experience with high-throughput experimental screening and selection methods in bacteria.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must have received a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within five years of the anticipated start date.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with protein design or engineering, or microbial evolution techniques such as adaptive laboratory evolution.
• Experience with computational protein design or enzyme engineering, such as rational design and/or directed evolution.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics or scientific programming, such as Python, C, C++, R, Java, or Matlab.
• Expertise in metalloprotein biochemistry and/or metal homeostasis, including metal sensing, transport, or storage mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in microbial synthetic biology for environmental and resource recovery applications.
• Develop and execute high-throughput assays to evaluate protein-variant functionality and analyze resulting data, with guidance as needed.
• Design research plans, generate and analyze results, and contribute to publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings with increasing independence.
• Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders and assist with research proposals, as appropriate.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with scientists internally and externally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree