Postdoctoral Researcher - AI Biomanufacturing, Hybrid

Job Overview

Sandia/California's Biomaterials and Biomanufacturing Department is seeking a dedicated and motivated Postdoctoral Scientist (JBEI Postdoctoral Bio/Chem) to work within the Agile Bio Foundry (ABF; agile biofoundry.org), focusing on the development and application of computational tools for engineering non-model fungi toward biofuel and biochemical production. The goal of the ABF is to cultivate the bioeconomy by developing advanced biomanufacturing capabilities based on a Design, Build, Test, Learn cycle that are accessible to industry and academic partners.

The postdoc will develop advanced computational biology approaches including AI/ML tools, Agentic AI, and genome‑scale metabolic modeling to help develop valuable bioproducts and optimize their titers, rates and yields to industrially relevant levels.

• Build and deploy AI/ML models to predict phenotypes, pathway yields, or gene targets for optimization.
• Analyze multi‑omics datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) to inform strain engineering hypotheses.
• Develop AI agents to simplify and standardize science workflows.
• Leverage genome‑scale metabolic models (GEMs) to identify metabolic bottlenecks and design strategies for improved strain performance.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists to translate computational predictions into testable strain designs within the design‑build‑test‑learn (DBTL) framework.
• Apply retro biosynthesis and pathway design tools to identify novel biosynthetic routes for target molecules.
• Participate in laboratory management and mentoring student interns.
• Present results at project meetings and conferences.

• PhD in Bioengineering, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Ability to conduct and communicate creative, independent research as proven through a record of technical accomplishment (e.g., publications in high‑impact scientific journals, presentations at national/international conferences).

• Familiarity with AI‑based tools for deep research and hypothesis generation and their application to the biosciences.
• Experience with Agentic AI.
• Proficiency in machine learning or statistical modeling applied to biological datasets (e.g., model‑guided strain optimization, feature selection for phenotype prediction).
• Strong background in metabolic engineering, systems biology, or computational biology.
• Experience in proteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data analysis.
• Experience with genome‑scale metabolic models (GEMs), including model curation, constraint‑based modeling, and flux‑balance analysis (FBA).
• Familiarity with pathway and retro biosynthesis design tools.
• Knowledge of synthetic biology design principles and experience interfacing computational predictions with experimental implementation.

The Biomanufacturing and Biomaterials department is dedicated to developing and advancing innovative technologies for producing the next generation of biofuels and biomaterials. Our multidisciplinary staff represents a diverse range of backgrounds and skill sets: molecular biology, chemistry, chemical and biochemical engineering, biophysics, computational science, and biochemistry. We partner broadly with other Sandia departments as well as other national laboratories, industry, and universities to develop practical, science‑based solutions to national energy goals.

Our group is primarily located at the Emery Station East facility in Emeryville CA.

Location:

Emeryville, CA

Employment Type:

Full‑Time, Temporary (up to one year, renewable up to five additional years)

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Sandia will conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or other indicators of untrustworthiness can result in denial or…