"Postdoctoral Scholar - High-Throughput Discovery"

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar - High-Throughput Discovery within the Molecular Foundry division. This position will accelerate the design and discovery of biological materials for binding critical minerals and materials. The postdoc will be part of a collaborative team of researchers in the Molecular Foundry from the Biological Nanostructures, Data Science and Infrastructure, Imaging and Manipulation, and Inorganic facilities. The postdoc will create microarrays of metal-binding proteins and/or peptides and develop assays for metal binding. Based on genome-wide searches, candidate proteins will be screened for targeted metal binding using fluorescence, label-free, and mass spectroscopy techniques.

You will:

• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced lab environment on a multi-disciplinary project supported across multiple Molecular Foundry facilities.
• Develop and design methods using automated robotics for protein expression, purification and surface conjugation on microarray substrates.
• Correlate fluorescence, label-free, mass spectroscopy, and microscopy data form a microarray platform to develop a parallel readout of protein function.
• Correlate and curate data from various instruments and methods into AI-ready format for analysis.
• Prepare and deliver data-oriented reports, manuscripts, and participate in proposal preparation, patent applications, and internal/external presentations.
• Perform work in accordance with EH&S guidelines and regulations.
• Support and contribute to the Berkeley Lab Stewardship culture.
• Provide assistance to maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.

We are looking for:

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Material Science, or related areas.
• Relevant experience in protein purification, characterization, and bioconjugation.
• Familiarity with analytical instruments including but are not limited to fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, protein purification and characterization, and 96-well plate-based assays.
• Experience with statistical design of experiments and data analysis software.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities with demonstrated ability to present novel methods and techniques to solve problems within broadly defined objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills as documented by peer-reviewed publications and seminars/presentations.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with Optical, Fluorescence or Atomic Force Microscopy.
• Experience with lab automation equipment and microarrays.
• Experience with programming languages, such as python.
• Experience with machine-learning, such as training large language models.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter (1 page)
• Publication List

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 6, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $84,336 - $94,020. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov