Posted: 27-Aug-23

Location: Berkeley,

Salary: Open

Categories:

Internal Number: 99836

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 optimizing the process and overall conversion efficiency by developing and evaluating different methods to recover, recycle, and reuse the biomass pretreatment solvents after use. You will use a variety of skills and tools such as chemical engineering, separation science, reaction chemistry, process engineering, distillation, extraction, solvent exchange, and analytical chemistry (NMR, FTIR, Raman, fluorescence), as well as process engineering/optimization.

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

What You Will Do:

• Perform and analyze different approaches (e.g., membrane separations, distillation) for efficient solvent recovery and recycle.

• Monitor solvent purity before and after use and recovery.

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

• Analyze solvents using NMR, FTIR, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

• Optimize the solvent recovery technology to make it affordable, scalable, and sustainable.

• 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, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field.

• Experience with analytical tools such as NMR, FTIR, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

• Experience in solvent recovery, separation science, membrane separations, and reaction chemistry.

• Experience with operating chemical reactors up to 10L.

• 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:

• Experience working with extruders or thin film evaporators.

• 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.

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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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