Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar - High-Throughput Discovery within the Molecular Foundry division. This position will accelerate the design and discovery of biological materials for binding critical minerals and materials. The postdoc will be part of a collaborative team of researchers in the Molecular Foundry from the Biological Nanostructures, Data Science and Infrastructure, Imaging and Manipulation, and Inorganic facilities. The postdoc will create microarrays of metal-binding proteins and/or peptides and develop assays for metal binding. Based on genome-wide searches, candidate proteins will be screened for targeted metal binding using fluorescence, label-free, and mass spectroscopy techniques.

You will:

• Work collaboratively in a fast-paced lab environment on a multi-disciplinary project supported across multiple Molecular Foundry facilities.
• Develop and design methods using automated robotics for protein expression, purification and surface conjugation on microarray substrates.
• Correlate fluorescence, label-free, mass spectroscopy, and microscopy data form a microarray platform to develop a parallel readout of protein function.
• Correlate and curate data from various instruments and methods into AI-ready format for analysis.
• Prepare and deliver data-oriented reports, manuscripts, and participate in proposal preparation, patent applications, and internal/external presentations.
• Perform work in accordance with EH&S guidelines and regulations.
• Support and contribute to the Berkeley Lab Stewardship culture.
• Provide assistance to maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.

We are looking for:

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Material Science, or related areas.
• Relevant experience in protein purification, characterization, and bioconjugation.
• Familiarity with analytical instruments including but are not limited to fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, protein purification and characterization, and 96-well plate-based assays.
• Experience with statistical design of experiments and data analysis software.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities with demonstrated ability to present novel methods and techniques to solve problems within broadly defined objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills as documented by peer-reviewed publications and seminars/presentations.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with Optical, Fluorescence or Atomic Force Microscopy.
• Experience with lab automation equipment and microarrays.
• Experience with programming languages, such as python.
• Experience with machine-learning, such as training large language models.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter (1 page)
• Publication List

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 6, 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 $84,336 - $94,020. 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).

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.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.