Posting Title
Postdoctoral Researcher - Biophysics and Biochemistry

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Location
CO - Golden

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Position Type
Postdoc (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week
40

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Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our eight employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

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Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.

Job Description

The Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis Group in the Biosciences Center has an immediate opening for a full-time (40 hours/week) Postdoctoral Researcher position to conduct fundamental research on biophysics and enzyme mechanisms of photosynthesis. The work integrates studies of fundamental properties of iron-sulfur clusters and their function in electron transfer and chemical reactions (H2, O2 activation). The candidate’s research responsibilities will encompass the application of optical spectroscopy, photochemistry, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) towards the broader goal of understanding how reduction-oxidation reactions integrate with photosynthetic reaction centers and electron transfer.

The research project is highly collaborative and involves both internal and external groups. The candidate will be required on a regular basis to prepare reports on research progress, as well as write manuscripts of the work and present results at national meetings.

The primary responsibility will be to conduct basic research on photosynthetic reaction centers and enzymes that integrate with the light reactions using a variety of methods including protein expression and anaerobic protein purification, biochemical analysis, photochemical EPR, and photochemical reactions. Primary responsibilities include the preparation of results for publication, and regular reports on research progress. The candidate will be expected to assist in project planning and proposal development. Some responsibility for the training and supervision of students and new postdoctoral scientists will also be required.

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Basic Qualifications
Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics or Chemistry within the past three years
• Exposure to the application of optical spectroscopic and biophysical methods to the study of redox metalloenzymes.
• Graduate research experience in the manipulation of metalloenzymes, redox poising of enzyme samples, and the application of UV-vis, transient UV-vis, EPR, and related spectroscopic techniques to study reaction centers or enzyme mechanisms informed from the structural and physical properties of metallo-cofactors.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with a strong history of prior publication on relevant research.
• Experience working as a part of an interdisciplinary research team. Candidates with additional experience or knowledge of the use of photo-driven methods in the study of enzymes will be strongly considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous working experience in conducting basic research on redox enzymes using anaerobic techniques, including measuring electronic properties using EPR, IR biophysical approaches.
• Experience with anaerobic laboratory techniques for expression, purification, and handling of oxygen-sensitive redox active biocatalysts.
• Experience with biological freeze-quench and stopped-flow techniques as applied to enzyme kinetics and mechanisms.
• Experience with light induced, transient EPR and pulsed EPR techniques.
• Experience or knowledge of the use of photo-driven methods in the study of enzymes.

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Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $71,300 - $117,600

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

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NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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