POSITION: JBEI Postdoctoral Appointee
JOB ID: 641843
MANAGER: Ben Wu
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and
technology innovation. We are a world-class team of scientists, engineers, technologists, postdocs, and visiting
researchers—all focused on cutting-edge technology, ranging from homeland defense, global security,
biotechnology, and environmental preservation to energy and combustion research, computer security, and nuclear
defense. To learn more, visit http://ca.sandia.gov/.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Biomass Science and Conversion Technology department, located in Livermore, California, performs
biological and bioengineering research with applications in advanced biofuels, renewable energy, nanobiology,
nanotoxicology, and biofuels. The Biomass Science and Conversion Technology Department at Sandia National
Laboratories also plays an essential role in the recently funded DOE Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), one of three
Bioenergy Research Centers in the Nation. JBEI is a new multi-organizational research center comprising worldclass resources and expertise located in one facility at Emeryville, California. The goal of JBEI is to use rapidly
advancing scientific techniques, such as systems and synthetic biology, to accelerate development of the nation's
biofuels industry.
The department contains a multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 staff, postdocs and technologists with
expertise in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biophysics, analytical chemistry, advanced
spectroscopy, microbiology, computational biology, and molecular biology. The basic research activities in the
department are focused on developing a basic understanding of the fundamental chemical, biochemical, and
thermochemical reactions and interactions that occur at interfaces. The department is also developing a focus on
systems and synthetic biology as they relate to biofuel production. Applied research activities are focused on
enzyme and microbial engineering for biofuel production, advanced biomass pretreatment, metabolic engineering of
algae, and advanced imaging techniques. Key sponsors include the DOE Office of Science, DOE Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the
Sandia LDRD Program.
JOB DESCRIPTION
A postdoctoral position in the Biomass Science and Conversion Technologies Department is available immediately.
The postdoc will study the ionic liquid pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. We seek an independent, energetic
scientist or engineer who will join our team in designing performance specific novel ionic liquids and synthesizing
these designer ionic liquids from renewable sources as well as further understanding its potential towards
lignocellulosic pretreatment. The candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with scientists and engineers who
are closely working in the area of ionic liquid pretreatment for clean sugar production and microbial conversion to
advanced fuels from the lignocellulosic sugar hydrolysate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
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Recent PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a closely related field with strong academic record of
success
Expertise in NMR and synthetic chemistry
Demonstrated track record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific literature
Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams
Desired:
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Experience with ionic liquid synthesis, IL-water phase behavior, structure property prediction of ionic
liquids, extraction and separation of monomeric and oligomeric sugars and lignin from IL solutions
Experience in IL recycling from chemical reaction media
Apply at: Click on the "Apply" button at the top or bottom of this screen, follow the instructions to upload a
resume, and complete the submission process to indicate your interest in this position.
ABOUT SANDIA
At Sandia you will receive many benefits as a valued employee of a premier national multi-program engineering and
science research laboratory. In our Total Rewards package you will enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, a
stimulating, positive environment and learning opportunities that will help build your career. More information may
be found on our Careers website.
Sandia National Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. If this position requires a security clearance granted by the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE), U.S. citizenship and employee eligibility for clearance processing will be required at the time of hire. If you hold dual citizenship and
accept a job offer for a position that requires a DOE-granted security clearance, you may be asked by DOE to renounce your foreign citizenship and
retain only your U.S. citizenship.