Postdoctoral Researcher – Enzyme engineering cell- systems

Postdoctoral Researcher – Enzyme Engineering for Cell‑Free Systems

Location:

Golden, CO. Position Type:
Postdoc (Fixed Term). Hours per week: 40.

The RRES Center, funded by DOE, seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop optimized cell‑free systems for converting C1 substrates into sustainable biofuels and bioproducts. The candidate will identify, express, purify, and assay enzymes from full metabolic pathways; develop high‑throughput enzymatic assays for pathway validation; and collaborate with data scientists to engineer efficient cell‑free production pathways with industrial partners and NLR collaborators.

Key responsibilities include biochemical assays to measure enzyme activities, directed evolution, structure‑guided protein engineering, machine learning‑guided protein engineering, and independent laboratory experimentation with high regard to safety.

• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting.
• Plan and execute research in collaboration with other researchers.
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats.
• Author peer‑reviewed publications.
• Work effectively in a large, multidisciplinary, multi‑institutional team of engineers and scientists.

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years and meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Experience with cloning, expression, and purification of proteins.
• Experience with automation of biochemical assays.
• Demonstrated experience in enzyme and/or protein engineering.
• Ability to take initiative to set direction and goals for assigned tasks.
• Troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong record of quality peer‑reviewed publications.
• Strong safety record.
• Demonstrated ability to follow complex standard operating procedures with attention to detail.

• Analytical chemistry experience with HPLC, GC‑FID, GC‑MS, and/or LC‑MS.

Annual salary range: $76,600 – $126,400 for full‑time 40‑hour work. NLR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; short‑term disability; pension benefits; a 403(b) employee savings plan with employer match; life and AD&D insurance; paid time off; sick leave; and paid holidays. Eligible employees may also receive performance‑based awards and relocation expense reimbursement based on eligibility rules.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Requests for reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process or employment are welcomed. Contact NLR Human Resources for assistance.

All positions include participation in E‑Verify to confirm right‑to‑work status.