Synthetic Biologist - Postdoctoral Researcher

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

$9,907 monthly

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 conduct research in the field of synthetic biology for critical metal recovery. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research focused on using synthetic biology to recover critical metals from domestic feedstocks.  This work will involve identifying, characterizing, engineering, and implementing novel proteins and pathways for sustainable biotechnology applications. This position is in the Synthetic Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. 

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 for environmental and resource recovery applications.
• Develop and execute high throughput assays to evaluate the functionality of protein variants.
• Engineer and implement genetic circuits in environmentally relevant microorganisms and characterize performance in test beds of increasing complexity. 
• Design research plans, generate and analyze results, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings.
• Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field with a strong emphasis in genetic engineering and molecular biology.
• Strong background in bacterial physiology and strain engineering for environmental or industrial applications.
• Experience in design, construction, and analysis of genetic circuits.
• Experience in high-throughput screening or selection methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Expertise and knowledge in metalloprotein biochemistry and metal homeostasis, including metal sensing, metal transport, or metal storage mechanisms.
• Experience with protein design/engineering or microbial evolution techniques (e.g., adaptive laboratory evolution).
• Experience in genome and metagenome-wide association approaches to identify genetic determinants of microbial traits.
• Hands-on experience with gene manipulation of non-model microbial systems.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics or scientific programming (e.g., Python, C, C++, R, Java, Matlab).

#LI-Onsite

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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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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