Postdoctoral Researcher – Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering

Posting Title Postdoctoral Researcher
- Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering . Location CO
- Golden . Position Type Postdoc (Fixed Term) . Hours Per Week 40 . Working at NLR NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development. Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration.

From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

The RRES Center at NLR has an opening for a full time Postdoctoral Researcher within the Synthetic Biology and Bioconversion group. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal up to three years. The successful candidate will conduct metabolic engineering and synthetic biology to engineer a non-model, but genetically amendable, bacterium for aerobic conversion of single carbon (C1) substrates to fuels and chemicals.

• Work safely and independently in a laboratory setting
• Plan, execute, and troubleshoot research
• Collaborate effectively with others within and across disciplines
• Communicate scientific results effectively, both in written and oral formats
• Author peer-reviewed publications

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

• Strong understanding of bacterial metabolism and genetics
• Research experience in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology including designing synthetic operons, constructing plasmids, and genome editing
• Experience in development and implementation of synthetic biology tools
• Strong safety record
• Ability to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines

• Experience performing adaptive laboratory evolution
• Experience working with non-model bacteria
• Experience with whole genome sequencing and analysis
• Experience using metabolic models
• Experience generating and analyzing systems biology datasets such as proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and fluxomics

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Job Profile:
Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400

• medical, dental, and vision insurance
• short-term disability insurance*
• pension benefits*
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*
• life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• personal time off (PTO) and sick leave
• paid holidays

Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement.

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you…