Synthetic Biologist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in synthetic biology focused on metal recovery and protein design. This two-year appointment (with potential extension) requires full-time on-site work and a PhD in a relevant field.

You will develop novel proteins and pathways under senior staff guidance and publish your findings. Join LLNL's Synthetic Biology group within the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division to tackle

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with NDAA.
• PhD in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field emphasizing genetic engineering and molecular biology.
• Strong background in bacterial physiology and strain engineering for environmental or industrial applications demonstrated through doctoral research, publications, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in library-scale cloning and engineering bacterial strains and other common molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques.
• Experience with high throughput experimental screening and selection methods in bacteria.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in microbial synthetic biology for environmental and resource recovery applications using established and innovative experimental approaches.
• Develop and execute high throughput assays to evaluate the functionality of protein variants and analyze resulting data with guidance as needed.
• Design research plans, generate and analyze results, and contribute to publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings with increasing independence.
• Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders and assist with research proposals, as appropriate.
• Pursue independent,but complementary, research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally within and outside the Laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

Synthetic Biologist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Entry Level | Full-time
Physical Life Sciences | Livermore, CA | 11/03/2026
Reference #: REF8872H
Job Code: PDS.1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1
Organization: Physical and Life Sciences
Position Type: Post Doctoral
Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

Note: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

We are seeking a highly motivatedPostdoctoral Researcherto conduct research in synthetic biology for critical metal recovery and protein design.The successful candidate will contribute to fundamental and applied research that leverages synthetic biology for critical metal recovery and/or bioremediation. This work will involve identifying, characterizing, and engineering novel proteins and pathways under the guidance of senior scientific staff. This position is in the Synthetic Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Conduct fundamental and applied research in microbial synthetic biology for environmental and resource recovery applications using established and innovative experimental approaches.
• Develop and execute high throughput assays to evaluate the functionality of protein variants and analyze resulting data with guidance as needed.
• Design research plans, generate and analyze results, and contribute to publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings with increasing independence.
• Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders and assist with research proposals, as appropriate.
• Pursue independent,but complementary, research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally within and outside the Laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• PhD in Microbiology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field emphasizing genetic engineering and molecular biology.
• Strong background in bacterial physiology and strain engineering for environmental or industrial applications demonstrated through doctoral research, publications, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in library-scale cloning and engineering bacterial strains and other common molecular biology and microbiology laboratory techniques.
• Experience with high throughput experimental screening and selection methods in bacteria.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with protein design/engineering or microbial evolution techniques (e.g., adaptive laboratory evolution).
• Experience with computational protein design or enzyme engineering, such as rational design and/or directed evolution.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics or scientific programming (e.g., Python, C, C++,R, Java,Matlab).
• Expertise in metalloprotein biochemistry and/or metal homeostasis, including metal sensing, metal transport, or metal storage mechanisms.

Pay:$123,048 Annually

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

None required.However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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