Project Scientist-Catalysis and Recovery

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division has an opening for a Project Scientist-Catalysis and Recovery to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will work as part of the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU). You will focus on developing technologies as well as managing projects related to biomass conversion (i.e., pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation) and bioproduct recovery/upgrading activities. 

Essential to success is the command of a broad spectrum of biochemical and chemical engineering unit operations applicable to advanced biofuel and biochemical production. You will perform research activities including scheduling and project management, experimental design, execution of chemical catalysis unit operations at bench and 100L-scale, execution of recovery and purification processes (filtration, centrifugation, distillation, etc.), and execution of associated analytical methods.

You will manage the day-to-day research and training and direct the work of one or several research associates and other technical staff. You will act as a lead for certain ABPDU projects, support ABPDU business development and partnering objectives, and serve as a liaison to project partners.

What You Will Do:

• Plan, lead, and execute process development, piloting related projects and experiments in collaboration with R&D sponsors and partners.

• Integrate catalysis efforts and work closely with ABPDU’s fermentation, recovery, and analytical chemistry teams.  Provide support for these teams and lead elements of project work in these areas as needed and appropriate.

• Follow the safety guidelines of LBNL; participate in and contribute to continuous safety improvement. 

• Maintain detailed experiment records (notebook, batch records), collect data, analyze data, and report findings in written and oral presentations for staff and facility collaborators.

• Direct the work, train, and lead the workflow of junior technical staff.   

• Write reports, manuscripts and participate in the authoring of grant proposals, patent applications, and internal/external presentations, and contribute significantly to the intellectual growth of the organization.   

• Direct the process of selection, improvement, and maintenance of equipment and laboratory facilities in the catalysis and recovery area.

• Act as a project lead for assigned projects including communications with collaborators, proposal preparation/review, resource planning, weekly meetings, and reports as specified.

• Use the statistical design of experiments and data analysis software where necessary.

• Perform system suitability testing, statistical process control, root cause failure analysis, and other problem solving and prevention techniques. 

• Participate and occasionally lead group/team meetings including PowerPoint presentations applying good verbal and written communication skills.

• Keep abreast of current scientific literature.

• Present findings at meetings and conferences.

What is Required:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience beyond the highest degree in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field. 

• Experience with process optimization and scale-up for biomass deconstruction and chemical catalysis using various methods with an understanding of reaction mechanisms and related analytics.

• Experience with bio-based product isolation and purification methodologies.

• Experience in developing and running analytical chemistry methods (HPLC, GC, etc.)

• Strong problem-solving capabilities with demonstrated ability to present novel methods and techniques to solve problems within broadly defined objectives.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to present data coherently, suitable for inclusion in peer-reviewed publications.

• Ability to learn and implement unique experimentation techniques.

• Strong written and oral communications skills, with the ability to effectively guide the research efforts of junior staff.

• Ability to work efficiently and productively in a team environment with minimal supervision.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or Chemistry with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience.

• Experience with catalysis and downstream processing unit operations, including pressure vessels, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, and solid-liquid separation.

Notes:

• This is a full time, 1 year, term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years.

• 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.

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Berkeley Lab. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

• Work will be primarily performed at Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process DevelopmentDemonstration Unit (ABPDU) — Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 3ird floor, Emeryville, CA.

Biological Systems and Engineering Division

Vision: To lead efforts that combine the power of biology with the tools of engineering to develop sustainable energy and biomanufacturing solutions and improve human health.

Mission: Advance a mechanistic and predictive understanding of complex biological systems over multiple scales in terms of their responses to manipulation, stress, disease and environmental challenges and translate this knowledge using engineering principles to develop resilient systems, tools, and processes for the efficient production of fuels, chemicals, materials, tissues, and therapeutics.

Berkeley Lab

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 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.  Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups presently considering scientific research careers.