Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Quantum Biosensing and Bioinorganic Chemistry

What You Will Do

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a creative and results-oriented Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research at the intersection of f-element coordination chemistry, metalloprotein biochemistry, and quantum sensing. The successful candidate will help develop novel biosensors for recognizing and characterizing lanthanide and actinide ions while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research setting.

• Conduct research in f-element coordination chemistry, chelator design, and metal-protein interactions.
• Develop original research concepts for the selective recognition of lanthanide and actinide ions in aqueous solutions.
• Develop fluorescence and ODMR measurements of metal-binding constructs and determine how metal coordination affects ODMR contrast, resonance spectra, and spin-relaxation behavior.
• Validate ODMR-derived responses using complementary techniques such as ITC, fluorescence titration, ICP-MS, EPR, or luminescence spectroscopy.
• Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to invention disclosures and patent applications when appropriate.

A PhD in bioinorganic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, or a closely related field. The degree must have been awarded within the past five years or be completed before the appointment begins.

Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct original research, supported by a record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Hands-on experience in coordination chemistry, ideally involving lanthanides or actinides, including ligand or chelator design and evaluation of metal-binding thermodynamics and speciation.
• Experience with one or more relevant characterization methods, such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), EPR, multinuclear NMR, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Experience conjugating chelators to proteins while retaining protein structure and function.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and handling of folded metalloproteins.
• Experience engineering and analyzing metal-binding sites in protein scaffolds, siderophores, or peptide chelators.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of resonance spectra and binding curves.

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This position is located at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory in northern New Mexico. The appointment is for an initial two-year term, with the possibility of a one-year extension. LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution that conducts strategic science in support of national security.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is…