Postdoctoral Researcher, Synthetic & Coordination Chemistry

The Helms group in the Joint BioEnergy Institute & Materials Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance innovative approaches to critical mineral recovery through the design and development of bio-derived chelators and functional polymer sorbents. Working at the intersection of synthetic chemistry, materials science, and chemical separations, the successful candidate will create and characterize new molecular systems, investigate metal-binding behavior, and evaluate their effectiveness under relevant separation conditions. This position offers opportunities for independent scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration, publication, and mentoring while contributing to research on sustainable resource recovery.

You will:

• Design and synthesis of new chelators and chelator-functionalized polymers or sorbents.
• Establish structure–binding–selectivity relationships for metal ions. This includes affinity, selectivity, kinetics, and stability under process-relevant conditions.
• Develop the ion separation process: liquid–liquid separations, immobilizing chelators on supports, running batch or column separations (breakthrough, elution, regeneration), and evaluating recovery, purity, and cycle life.
• Characterize chelators and separation media in depth (NMR, MS, UV-vis/fluorescence titrations, ITC, ICP-MS/OES, HPLC/LC-MS).
• Play a key role in maintaining a robust and inclusive safety culture.
• Maintain a detailed and accurate record of all research activities and outcomes.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to research papers, program reports, and review articles; present oral reports.
• Mentor junior researchers in the program while collectively meeting program milestones on schedule.

We are looking for:

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge in designing, synthesizing, and characterizing organic molecules using established synthetic chemistry techniques.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge in ligand design, metal-ligand coordination chemistry, or the synthesis and characterization of compounds with metal-binding functionality.
• Demonstrated knowledge of analytical methods used to evaluate metal binding, speciation, or chemical interactions, such as titration methods, ion chromatography, ICP-MS/OES, or related techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct collaborative research and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to represent and promote scientific projects clearly to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.
• Experience documenting and communicating scientific findings through research manuscripts, technical reports, presentations, or posters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate research methods, findings, and conclusions to scientific and interdisciplinary audiences.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with separation processes: solvent extraction, ion exchange, adsorption, chromatography, or membranes.
• Experience with polymer or solid-support functionalization.
• Familiarity with process metrics and scale-up considerations (mass balance, throughput, techno-economic analysis).

Required Application Materials:

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

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 1, 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 $99,192 - $110,808. 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).

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange a collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.