Bioorganic Chemistry Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job description

What You Will Do

The Bioscience Division of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites you to join our diverse team and support our critical national security mission. The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) is seeking creative and independent scientists with a strong foundation in bioorganic synthesis and demonstrated hands‑on experience in bioconjugation. You will work in a multidisciplinary environment, developing chemical and biochemical approaches to address challenges in biosecurity, bioenergy, analytical science, structural biology, and the evaluation of emerging technologies, supporting projects that matter to our nation and the world.

The successful candidate will contribute to a portfolio of programmatic and R&D efforts involving synthesis, characterization, bioconjugation, functionalized materials, and quantitative analytical validation. The position is designed for a scientist who complements an established strength in molecular design and synthesis with expertise in biomolecule modification, binding and activity assays, complex‑matrix analysis, and rigorous data interpretation. Working with colleagues in B-TEK and collaborators across LANL, the candidate will develop and complete project objectives, contribute to new mission‑relevant programs and research proposals, and communicate results through reports, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize small molecules, peptides, chelators, molecular probes, and related (bio-)molecular systems
• Develop methods to immobilize proteins, peptides, and polymers, and evaluate immobilization efficiency, stability, and retained function
• Develop quantitative assays for molecular recognition, metal binding, selectivity, kinetics, and performance in model solutions and complex matrices
• Integrate experimental results with statistical or computational analyses to guide subsequent experiments and project decisions

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Expertise in chemical biology, bioorganic chemistry, or a closely related discipline relevant to B-TEK's research mission
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with site‑selective peptide or protein modification, bioconjugation, post‑translational modifications, or polymer and surface functionalization
• Experience designing and executing multistep syntheses, purification, and characterization
• Experience developing quantitative assays with appropriate controls, calibration, reproducibility criteria, and statistical analysis
• Ability to independently develop and troubleshoot experimental approaches for multidisciplinary scientific problems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by a strong publication and presentation record
• May require the ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship

Training/Certifications: None

Education/Experience: A Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field completed within the last five years or to be completed within six months is required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with orthogonal or site‑selective bioconjugation and biomolecule characterization using methods such as click, thiol‑or amine‑selective chemistry, FPLC or SEC, LC‑MS, fluorescence, or functional assays
• Experience immobilizing ligands or biomolecules on resins, particles, membranes, fibers, organosilica, or other solid supports for batch or flow‑through applications
• Hands‑on experience analyzing complex matrices with modern purification and characterization methods such as HPLC, HRMS, MALDI‑TOF, NMR, UV‑Vis, fluorescence, or related techniques
• Experience with SPPS, flow chemistry, chemistry‑and bioanalysis‑laboratory automation
• Working knowledge of statistical programming, molecular modeling, or scientific machine learning using Python, R, MATLAB, or related tools, and the ability to collaborate across experimental and computational teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to the development of new research proposals or other related research activities

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China‑including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New‑Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.