Lignin Catalysis Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Biological Systems and Engineering Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team as part of the Deconstruction Division at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Research Center located in Emeryville, CA.  

In this exciting role, you will work on lignin catalysis as part of its effort to develop sustainable bio-based fuels and chemicals. This position will contribute to the catalytic valorization of lignin-derived compounds, focusing on developing novel catalytic approaches for lignin depolymerization, upgrading, and functionalization. This includes the development of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

What You Will Do:

• Design, synthesize, and characterize heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts for lignin valorization.
• Conduct experimental research on lignin depolymerization, conversion, and upgrading into high-value chemicals and biofuels.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., GC-MS, HPLC, NMR, XRD, FTIR, TEM) to characterize reaction products and catalyst performance.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, biochemical engineers, and computational scientists, to advance lignin valorization strategies.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant proposals and project reports.
• Present scientific results at international meetings/conferences.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Keep and maintain accurate and detailed records of all research and experiments performed. 
• Report these updates to the work lead and supervisor on a regular basis. 
• Participate and present at group, divisional, and center meetings.
• Assist with preparations for funding applications, grants, and proposals.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Catalysis, or a related field (earned within the last five years).
• Strong background in catalysis, including synthesis and characterization of catalysts.
• Hands-on experience with lignin chemistry and/or biomass conversion processes.
• Expertise in analytical techniques for reaction product characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to author manuscripts and reports.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with reaction engineering and reactor design for biomass conversion.
• Familiarity with computational catalysis and/or machine learning approaches in catalysis.
• Prior experience in DOE-funded bioenergy projects.
• Strong publication record.

Notes:

• 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 $5,562 - $7,003 and is expected to start at $5,841 or above. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Emeryville Station East (ESE) — Bldg. 978, 5885 Hollis St., 4th floor, Emeryville, CA.

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