POSITION: JBEI Postdoctoral Chemistry
JOB ID: 643935
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://www.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 and renewable energy. The
Biomass Science and Conversion Technology Department at Sandia National Laboratories also plays an essential
role in the DOE Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), one of three Bioenergy Research Centers in the Nation. JBEI is
a multi-organizational research center comprising world-class 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 work with the JBEI team on lignin conversion and utilization, ionic liquid
pretreatment and ionic liquid synthesis, purification, characterization and recycling. The candidate will work
closely with other scientists and engineers who are working in the area of ionic liquid pretreatment for clean sugar
production and microbial conversion to advanced fuels from the lignocellulosic sugar hydrolysate.
REQUIRED
Requires a PhD in Synthetic Chemistry or closely related field. This position also requires extensive
experience with organic synthesis, purification and characterization as well as rity with dry box and Schlenk
techniques. The successful candidate must have a strong publication record, excellent communication skills,
and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
DESIRED
Experience with synthesis of heterocycles, organometallic, aromatic compounds and ionic liquids is preferred. Prior
experience with NMR and mass spectroscopy techniques are highly desired. Other desired qualifications for this position
include data analysis using recently developed multivariate analysis tools for NMR and a strong background in statistical
analysis methods.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
No clearance required.
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE)-granted security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment background review that includes personal reference checks, law enforcement
record checks, and employment and education verifications. Further, employees in New Mexico must pass a U.S. Air
Force background screen for access to the work site. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information,
criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or
terminated, rendering the inability to perform the duties assigned and resulting in termination of employment.
If hired without a clearance, and one subsequently becomes required or you bid on positions that require a DOE-granted
security clearance, a pre-processing background review that includes personal reference checks, law enforcement record
and credit checks, and employment and education verifications may be conducted prior to a required federal
background investigation. Applicants for DOE-granted security clearances must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain
and maintain the appropriate DOE security clearance as required for the position.
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.