Synthetic Chemistry Automation & Advanced Manufacturing Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in synthetic organic chemistry with demonstrated proficiency in the design synthesis purification and structural characterization of small molecules and heterocyclic compounds. You will contribute to the development of innovative synthetic methodologies for energetic small molecules with an emphasis on flow synthesis reaction optimization and advanced manufacturing approaches. Responsibilities include executing multistep organic synthesis developing and improving continuous flow processes supporting material purification and crystallization and applying analytical characterization techniques for compound identification and purity assessment. This position is in the Functional Materials Synthesis and Integration Group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Design execute and optimize synthetic routes and experimental procedures using modern organic synthesis methods with emphasis on heterocyclic and small-molecule chemistry and the development of continuous flow processes.
• Apply and interpret analytical techniques commonly used in synthetic organic chemistry including NMR HPLC MS IR and UV spectroscopy to characterize and evaluate synthesized compounds.
• Analyze experimental data to establish structure process and property relationships and use these insights to guide scientific understanding and future research directions.
• Document research findings in technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present research results to sponsors and the broader scientific community through technical meetings and scientific conferences.
• Develop and pursue an independent research direction that complements and align with broader programmatic goals.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external research partners and contribute to multidisciplinary research efforts.
• Manage assigned research activities to meet project timelines and deliverables while proactively communicating risks challenges or deviations to program and line management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in designing executing and optimizing synthetic routes and experimental procedures using modern organic synthesis techniques.
• Hands-on experience in continuous-flow chemistry including design operation optimization and troubleshooting of flow reactors and associated synthesis workflows.
• Demonstrated experience in the scale-up of telescoped and continuous flow processes including synthesis crystallization liquid-liquid separations and heterogeneous reaction systems.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret experimental data and relate findings to chemical structure processing and material or chemical properties.
• Demonstrated experience in compound isolation purification and characterization using analytical techniques such as NMR IR UV spectroscopy DART-MS HPLC GC-MS LC-MS Raman DSC and TGA.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and successfully manage multiple priorities timelines and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications technical reports and presentations at scientific conferences or technical meetings.

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated experience in heterogeneous acid catalysis including catalyst design synthesis characterization and application in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction development.
• Hands-on experience programming and operating automated synthesis workstations flow reactor systems or equivalent automated reactor platforms in support of synthesis and formulation research.
• Experience in nitration chemistry and working with energetic compounds including pyrotechnics explosives or propellants.

Pay Range

$123048 Annually 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  300

  Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL.  Situated on 7000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering chemistry biology and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

  Security Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time