Postdoctoral Researcher - Biophysics and Biochemistry

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Mar 26

Job
Full-time
Entry Level
Research & Development
Science
$73.2K - $120.8K
Golden
Quick Apply

AI generated summary

You must have a recent PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Chemistry with experience in spectroscopic techniques for studying metalloenzymes. Strong communication skills and interdisciplinary teamwork are essential. Additional experience with anaerobic techniques and enzyme kinetics is preferred.
You will conduct fundamental research on biophysics and enzyme mechanisms of photosynthesis through optical spectroscopy, EPR, and biochemical analysis. Collaborate with internal and external groups, prepare reports, write manuscripts, and present research findings. Training and supervision of students and postdocs may be required.

Requirements

Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years.* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications:
PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics or Chemistry within the past three years
Exposure to the application of optical spectroscopic and biophysical methods to the study of redox metalloenzymes.
Graduate research experience in the manipulation of metalloenzymes, redox poising of enzyme samples, and the application of UV-vis, transient UV-vis, EPR, and related spectroscopic techniques to study reaction centers or enzyme mechanisms informed from the structural and physical properties of metallo-cofactors.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with a strong history of prior publication on relevant research.
Experience working as a part of an interdisciplinary research team. Candidates with additional experience or knowledge of the use of photo-driven methods in the study of enzymes will be strongly considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous working experience in conducting basic research on redox enzymes using anaerobic techniques, including measuring electronic properties using EPR, IR biophysical approaches.
Experience with anaerobic laboratory techniques for expression, purification, and handling of oxygen-sensitive redox active biocatalysts.
Experience with biological freeze-quench and stopped-flow techniques as applied to enzyme kinetics and mechanisms.
Experience with light induced, transient EPR and pulsed EPR techniques.
Experience or knowledge of the use of photo-driven methods in the study of enzymes.

Responsibilities

The Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis Group in the Biosciences Center has an immediate opening for a full-time (40 hours/week) Postdoctoral Researcher position to conduct fundamental research on biophysics and enzyme mechanisms of photosynthesis. The work integrates studies of fundamental properties of iron-sulfur clusters and their function in electron transfer and chemical reactions (H2, O2 activation). The candidate’s research responsibilities will encompass the application of optical spectroscopy, photochemistry, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) towards the broader goal of understanding how reduction-oxidation reactions integrate with photosynthetic reaction centers and electron transfer.
The research project is highly collaborative and involves both internal and external groups. The candidate will be required on a regular basis to prepare reports on research progress, as well as write manuscripts of the work and present results at national meetings.
The primary responsibility will be to conduct basic research on photosynthetic reaction centers and enzymes that integrate with the light reactions using a variety of methods including protein expression and anaerobic protein purification, biochemical analysis, photochemical EPR, and photochemical reactions. Primary responsibilities include the preparation of results for publication, and regular reports on research progress. The candidate will be expected to assist in project planning and proposal development. Some responsibility for the training and supervision of students and new postdoctoral scientists will also be required.

FAQs

What is the main focus of this postdoctoral position in Biophysics and Biochemistry at NREL?

The main focus of this postdoctoral position is to conduct research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies using biophysics and biochemistry principles.

Where is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) located?

NREL is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado.

What kind of work environment can I expect at NREL?

At NREL, you can expect a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment where you can connect with coworkers who are driven by the same mission to save the planet.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Science & Healthcare

Industry

1001-5000

Employees

1977

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a Department of Energy national lab, is #TransformingEnergy as the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL's Mission: NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals. NREL's Strategy: NREL has forged a focused strategic direction to increase its impact on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) and our nation's energy goals by accelerating the research path from scientific innovations to market-viable alternative energy solutions.