Synthetic Chemistry Automation & Advanced Manufacturing Postdoctoral Researcher Intern

Job Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in synthetic organic chemistry with demonstrated proficiency in the design, synthesis, purification, and structural characterization of small molecules and heterocyclic compounds. You will contribute to the development of innovative synthetic methodologies for energetic small molecules, with an emphasis on flow synthesis, reaction optimization, and advanced manufacturing approaches. Responsibilities include executing multistep organic synthesis, developing and improving continuous flow processes, supporting material purification and crystallization, and applying analytical characterization techniques for compound identification and purity assessment. This position is in the Functional Materials Synthesis and Integration Group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Design, execute, and optimize synthetic routes and experimental procedures using modern organic synthesis methods, with emphasis on heterocyclic and small-molecule chemistry and the development of continuous flow processes.
• Apply and interpret analytical techniques commonly used in synthetic organic chemistry, including NMR, HPLC, MS, IR, and UV spectroscopy, to characterize and evaluate synthesized compounds.
• Analyze experimental data to establish structure, process, and property relationships, and use these insights to guide scientific understanding and future research directions.
• Document research findings in technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present research results to sponsors and the broader scientific community through technical meetings and scientific conferences.
• Develop and pursue an independent research direction that complements and align with broader programmatic goals.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external research partners and contribute to multidisciplinary research efforts.
• Manage assigned research activities to meet project timelines and deliverables, while proactively communicating risks, challenges, or deviations to program and line management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, executing, and optimizing synthetic routes and experimental procedures using modern organic synthesis techniques.
• Hands-on experience in continuous-flow chemistry, including design, operation, optimization, and troubleshooting of flow reactors and associated synthesis workflows.
• Demonstrated experience in the scale-up of telescoped and continuous flow processes, including synthesis, crystallization, liquid-liquid separations, and heterogeneous reaction systems.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and relate findings to chemical structure, processing, and material or chemical properties.
• Demonstrated experience in compound isolation, purification, and characterization using analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, UV spectroscopy, DART-MS, HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, Raman, DSC, and TGA.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, and successfully manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at scientific conferences or technical meetings.

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated experience in heterogeneous acid catalysis, including catalyst design, synthesis, characterization, and application in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction development.
• Hands-on experience programming and operating automated synthesis workstations, flow reactor systems, or equivalent automated reactor platforms, in support of synthesis and formulation research.
• Experience in nitration chemistry and working with energetic compounds, including pyrotechnics, explosives or propellants.

Pay Range

$123,048 Annually 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Site 300

Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL.  Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.