Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Based Quantum Biosensing and Bioinorganic Chemistry

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 68,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Paid leave

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance biosensor research at the intersection of f-element coordination chemistry and biochemistry. You will develop novel probes for lanthanide/actinide recognition, measuring fluorescence and ODMR in metal-binding constructs, and validating results with complementary techniques.

The role emphasizes independent and collaborative research, publication of findings, and potential patent contributions within a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• PhD in bioinorganic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, or a closely related field awarded within the past five years or completed before appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct original research with peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in f-element coordination chemistry, chelator design, and metal-protein interactions.
• Develop concepts for selective recognition of lanthanide/actinide ions in aqueous solutions.
• Perform fluorescence and ODMR measurements of metal-binding constructs and study coordination effects on ODMR signals.

Skills

Research planning

Scientific communication

Independent & collaborative work

Problem solving

Education

PhD in bioinorganic chemistry

PhD in inorganic chemistry

PhD in radiochemistry

Tools

ITC

EPR

NMR

ICP-MS

X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Job description

What You Will Do

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a creative and results-oriented Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research at the intersection of f-element coordination chemistry, metalloprotein biochemistry, and quantum sensing. The successful candidate will help develop novel biosensors for recognizing and characterizing lanthanide and actinide ions while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research setting.

Research Responsibilities

• Conduct research in f-element coordination chemistry, chelator design, and metal-protein interactions.
• Develop original research concepts for the selective recognition of lanthanide and actinide ions in aqueous solutions.
• Develop fluorescence and ODMR measurements of metal-binding constructs and determine how metal coordination affects ODMR contrast, resonance spectra, and spin-relaxation behavior.
• Validate ODMR-derived responses using complementary techniques such as ITC, fluorescence titration, ICP-MS, EPR, or luminescence spectroscopy.
• Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to invention disclosures and patent applications when appropriate.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

A PhD in bioinorganic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, or a closely related field. The degree must have been awarded within the past five years or be completed before the appointment begins.

Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct original research, supported by a record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in coordination chemistry, ideally involving lanthanides or actinides, including ligand or chelator design and evaluation of metal-binding thermodynamics and speciation.
• Experience with one or more relevant characterization methods, such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), EPR, multinuclear NMR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Experience conjugating chelators to proteins while retaining protein structure and function.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and handling of folded metalloproteins.
• Experience engineering and analyzing metal-binding sites in protein scaffolds, siderophores, or peptide chelators.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of resonance spectra and binding curves.

Work Environment

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.

Note to Applicants

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.

Appointment and Location

This position is located at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory in northern New Mexico. The appointment is for an initial two-year term, with the possibility of a one-year extension. LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution that conducts strategic science in support of national security.

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

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.

No Clearance

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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.