Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE ) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a project focused on developing a feedstock flexible biomass deconstruction technology. Originally developed as part of the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI ), you will optimize it for specific mixtures of biomass feedstocks (e.g., temperate, agricultural, forestry, and tropical).

Specifically, you will work directly on using advanced biomass pretreatment solvents and evaluating their efficacy in liberating bioavailable intermediates such as fermentable sugars and lignin-derived intermediates and screening hydrolysates in terms of conversion efficiency and the presence of inhibitors. You will also use a variety of skills and tools such as chemical engineering, chemistry, enzymology, analytical chemistry (HPLC, GC-MS, GPC, TGA), and process engineering/optimization.

This position has an anticipated start date of October 9, 2023.

What You Will Do:

• Perform and analyze biomass pretreatment studies on targeted biomass mixtures up to 10L. 

• Perform enzymatic hydrolysis studies on pretreated biomass. 

• Compositional profiling of biomass feedstocks as a function of process.

• Optimizing the deconstruction process to liberate high yields of glucose, xylose and lignin-derived intermediates. 

• Analyze hydrolysates generated using HPLC, GC-MS, GPC and TGA.

• Assist with the development of funding proposals and preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

• Present results at scientific conferences and sponsor meetings.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-3 years) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Experience with analytical tools such as HPLC, GC-MS, GPC, and TGA.

• Experience in biomass deconstruction and conversion.

• Experience with operating chemical reactors.

• Experience working with lignocellulolytic enzymes and enzyme kinetics. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals, and present at conferences.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Solvent recovery and recycling.

• Process engineering and scale-up.

• Demonstrated ability to write grant proposals and establish independent funding. 

Notes:

• For first consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by September 15, 2023.

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,374-$6,444 and is expected to start at $5,374 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• This position may be 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.

• This position will be performed onsite at the Emeryville Station East Operations Center (ESE) — Bldg. 978, located at 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA 94608.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community.  For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

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