Protein and Biomaterials Engineering - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory • Full-time • Livermore, CA, US • 3w ago

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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 dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

Job Description

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research at the interface of synthetic biology, protein engineering, and biomaterials. You will design and engineer proteins and protein-biopolymer hybrid materials with novel biochemical, biophysical, and material properties relevant to our national security mission. This position is in the Microbial Systems Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

Conduct fundamental and applied research in microbial synthetic biology to enable biosynthesis of biopolymers and biomaterials.
Develop and apply high-throughput approaches for protein design, expression, purification, and characterization.
Engineer hybrid biomaterials with advanced structural and functional properties.
Design and implement assays to characterize proteins and hybrid biomaterials to assess biochemical and biophysical properties.
Collaborate closely with computational and experimental researchers across LLNL and external institutions.
Develop research plans, generate results, and publish findings in peer-reviewed papers.
Present research at conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
Contribute to proposal development and help expand the program into new areas aligned with your expertise.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, or a relevant field with emphasis in synthetic biology, protein engineering, or biomaterials.
Strong expertise in molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
Demonstrated experience and knowledge in protein engineering to alter or enhance function.
Hands-on experience with protein purification and biophysical characterization.
Proven ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications We Desire

Experience generating, sequencing, and analyzing protein variant libraries.
Familiarity with high-throughput protein design, expression, and purification systems.
Background in biopolymers or biomaterials research.
Experience working with intrinsically disordered proteins.
Experience with biomolecular characterization, including CD, FTIR, and/or SAXS/WAXS.

Additional Information

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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.)

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. 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.

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