"Postdoctoral Scholar - Protein-Nanoparticle Probes for Cellular Force Microscopy"

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar - Protein-Nanoparticle Probes for Cellular Force Microscopy within the Molecular Foundry Division. This position will work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), primarily at the Molecular Foundry, in collaboration with the Joint Genome Institute (JGI). As part of a multidisciplinary team, the postdoc will help design, build, and demonstrate an Infrared Force Microscope (IFM) capable of sensing and imaging biological forces within and between living systems with unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution.

The IFM employs our Avalanching Nanoparticles (ANPs, described in Nature 637, 70 and Nature 589, 230) to measure intracellular and extracellular forces in microbial systems, including hydrostatic pressures and forces within biofilms. This position will lead in biofunctionalization of ANPs for initial measurements of live-cell biological forces of the instrument. The postdoc will also optimize ANP surfaces and delivery methods to introduce ANP probes into microbial systems.

You will:

• Design and express proteins for synthesizing ANP-protein hybrids.
• Design and generate microbial strains for bioconjugation and ANP-based imaging.
• Design ANP surfaces for live-cell conjugation and delivery methods.
• Perform data analysis, interpret experimental results, and generate figures that convey data and results.
• Stay current on recent research in the field by reading published literature.
• Prepare manuscripts and reports for publication in high-impact journals.
• Collaborate and interact effectively with other team members, researchers, and scientists.
• Present work at national meetings and at regular group meetings.
• 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:

• Ph.D. degree in Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or relevant fields.
• Experience with molecular cloning, protein expression, structural biology, and strain engineering.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience handling and cultivating microbial cultures.
• Knowledge in optical probes, biofunctionalization, and bioimaging.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a dynamic, inclusive, team environment
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills as documented by seminars/presentations.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience in the use of microscopy, such as live-cell imaging and optical microscopy.
• Experience in the design and implementation of imaging-based experiments to answer molecular-level and systems-wide biological questions.
• Experience imaging biofilms.
• Experience with nanoparticle delivery.
• Experience with bioconjugation systems.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter describing applicant background and interest in the position
• Publication List

Additional information:

• Posted: 22-Jan-26
• Location: Berkeley, California
• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 27, 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 (for more information click here).

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