Job Description:
Posting Duration:
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days including the posting date. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate:
Sandia demonstrates its commitment to public safety in the national interest by requiring that all new hires be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before commencing employment. The requirement also applies to those who are telecommuting and working virtually.
Any concerns about the ability to meet this requirement should be directed to HR Solutions at (505) 284-4700.
What Your Job Will Be Like:
Are you looking to do creative and worthwhile research and to perform exciting research in molecular simulations and predictive science? Do you want to increase your engagement with research that supports the development of biofuels and bio products? Join our team as a Postdoctoral Appointee and enjoy professional development as well as working with expert scientists and engineers!
We seek a highly dedicated and innovative candidate to join the Predictive Deconstruction team at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI https://www.jbei.org/) a U.S. Department of Energy (http://science.energy.gov/) (DOE) Bioenergy Research Center dedicated to developing advanced biofuels/liquid fuels derived from the solar energy stored in plant biomass that can replace gasoline diesel and jet fuels.
The selected applicant will collaborate with members of the Deconstruction Division. You will use physics-based molecular modeling approaches to develop molecular level understanding of the interactions between solvents. These could include ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents that are associated with efficient biomass solubilization and deconstruction into simple sugars and aromatics that are amenable to uptake and conversion by to valuable biofuels and biochemicals by engineered host organism. Proficiency performing quantum mechanical calculations COnductor-like Screening MOdel for Realistic Solvents (COSMO-RS) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations of solvent-solute systems. The selected candidate will work on multi-disciplinary projects with a wide range of experts to conduct ground breaking R&D in lignocellulosic biofuels.
On any given day you may be called on to:
- Perform calculations and simulations to predict properties of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents and their association with biomass pretreatment efficacy
- Perform simulations to understand the molecular level interactions between ionic liquids or deep eutectic solvents with biomass
- Work with machine learning experts to develop strategies for extracting and engineering features for machine learning models from quantum calculations and molecular dynamics simulations
- Help in designing solvents capable of efficiently fractionating and deconstructing lignocellulosic biomass
- Participate in laboratory management and mentoring student interns
- Enhance professional development by presenting results at project meetings and conferences
- Publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Implement monitor and refine project plans and proposals
Qualifications We Require:
- PhD in computational chemistry computational biology or a closely related field with an emphasis on molecular simulations
- Experience performing simulations of solvent-solute systems
- The ability to conduct and communicate creative independent research as identified through a record of high technical accomplishments (e.g. publication in high-impact scientific journals presentations at national/international conferences etc.)
Qualifications We Desire:
- Knowledge of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents applied to biomass pretreatment
- Experience using COSMO-RS and molecular dynamics simulations to study solvent biomass or solvent protein interactions
- Experience in statistical data analytics and experimental design
- Basic understanding machine learning and artificial intelligence
About Our Team:
Sandias Computational Biology and Biophysics Department supports biodefense emerging infectious disease and biofuels mission areas. The department has core capabilities in bioinformatics machine learning bioimaging molecular modeling and the cybersecurity of biological operations. The focus of the department is in developing innovative research using advance computational methods to solve national security problems in biology. We conduct research in advanced RAMAN spectroscopy hyperspectral imaging enzymatic lignin valorization biomimetic membrane design the design of synthetic microbial consortia for biological breakdown and conversion of biological materials to valuable chemicals and fuels and machine learning for the development of algal pond consortia. This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health Bioenergy Technologies Office Biological and Environmental Research Basic Energy Sciences the Department of Defense Defense Threat Reduction Agency DOE Energy I-Corps the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies Academia Industry Department of Health and Human Services and Sandias Laboratory Directed Research and Development program.
About Sandia:
Sandia National Laboratories is the nations premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security peace and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools equipment and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks part-time work and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacations strong medical and other benefits competitive 401k learning opportunities relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance:
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references credit law enforcement records and employment/education verifications. Furthermore employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use falsification of information criminal activity serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position or you bid on positions that require a clearance a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e. of the U.S. and another country) your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
Job ID: 684710
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