Protein and Biomaterials Engineering - Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research at the interface of synthetic biology, protein engineering, and biomaterials.  You will design and engineer proteins and protein-biopolymer hybrid materials with novel biochemical, biophysical, and material properties relevant to our national security mission. This position is in the Microbial Systems Biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

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 to enable biosynthesis of biopolymers and biomaterials.
• Develop and apply high-throughput approaches for protein design, expression, purification, and characterization.
• Engineer hybrid biomaterials with advanced structural and functional properties.
• Design and implement assays to characterize proteins and hybrid biomaterials to assess biochemical and biophysical properties.
• Collaborate closely with computational and experimental researchers across LLNL and external institutions.
• Develop research plans, generate results, and publish findings in peer-reviewed papers.
• Present research at conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Contribute to proposal development and help expand the program into new areas aligned with your expertise.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  See Additional Information section below for details.
• PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, or a relevant field with emphasis in synthetic biology, protein engineering, or biomaterials.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in protein engineering to alter or enhance function.
• Hands-on experience with protein purification and biophysical characterization.
• Proven ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience generating, sequencing, and analyzing protein variant libraries.
• Familiarity with high-throughput protein design, expression, and purification systems.
• Background in biopolymers or biomaterials research.
• Experience working with intrinsically disordered proteins.
• Experience with biomolecular characterization, including CD, FTIR, and/or SAXS/WAXS.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

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 use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

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. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.