Postdoctoral Researcher – Enzyme engineering for cell-free systems

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 76,600 - 126,400; Full time

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in enzyme engineering for cell-free systems. The project aims to integrate cell-free workflows with genome engineering to accelerate biosystems design for carbon-negative biomanufacturing, developing optimized cell-free platforms for converting C1 substrates into biofuels and bioproducts.

The role encompasses identifying enzymes, building high-throughput assays, and collaborating with

Qualifications

• Recent PhD earned within the last three years.
• Experience cloning, expressing, and purifying proteins.
• Experience automating biochemical assays.
• Proven enzyme or protein engineering background.
• Ability to follow SOPs with attention to detail.
• Strong publication record.
• Excellent safety record.
• Initiative to set task direction.

Responsibilities

• Identify, express, purify, and assay enzymes from metabolic pathways.
• Develop high-throughput enzymatic assays to validate pathways.
• Collaborate with data scientists to design cell-free production pathways.
• Perform directed evolution and machine-learning-guided protein engineering.
• Conduct experiments safely with minimal supervision.
• Plan and execute research with multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate results in writing and oral formats.
• Author peer-reviewed publications.
• Work in a large, multi-institutional team.

Skills

Cloning

Protein expression

Protein purification

Enzyme engineering

Automation of assays

Cell-free systems

Directed evolution

Scientific troubleshooting

Publications

Safety discipline

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

HPLC

GC-FID

GC-MS

LC-MS

Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Researcher – Enzyme Engineering for Cell‑Free Systems

Location

Golden, Colorado

Position Type

Postdoc (Fixed Term), 40 hours per week

Overview

RRES Center at NLR focuses on biological, chemical, and catalytic research in polymer design, upcycling, separations, synthetic biology, bioconversion, analytical sciences, computational modeling, and lignocellulosic chemistry. The successful candidate will work on the DOE‑funded project Integrating cell‑free systems and genome engineering to accelerate biosystems design for carbon‑negative biomanufacturing, developing optimized cell‑free systems for converting C1 substrates to sustainable biofuels and bioproducts.

Responsibilities

• Identify, express, purify, and assay enzymes from full metabolic pathways.
• Develop high‑throughput enzymatic assays to validate pathways.
• Collaborate with data scientists to design efficient cell‑free production pathways.
• Perform directed evolution, structure‑guided protein engineering, and machine‑learning‑guided protein engineering to improve enzyme and pathway function.
• Conduct laboratory experiments safely and independently, with minimal supervision.
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate scientific results effectively in written and oral formats.
• Author peer‑reviewed publications.
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary, multi‑institutional team of engineers and scientists.

Basic Qualifications

• Recent PhD graduate within the last three years.
• Experience with cloning, expression, and purification of proteins.
• Experience with automation of biochemical assays.
• Demonstrated experience in enzyme and/or protein engineering.
• Ability to take initiative to set direction and goals for assigned tasks.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong record of quality peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent safety record.
• Ability to follow complex standard operating procedures with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Analytical chemistry experience with HPLC, GC‑FID, GC‑MS, and/or LC‑MS.

Annual Salary Range

$76,600 – $126,400

Benefits Summary

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short‑term disability insurance.
• Pension benefits.
• 403(b) employee savings plan with employer match.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Personal time off and sick leave; paid holidays.
• Possible performance‑, merit‑, and achievement‑based awards.
• Possible relocation expense reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.