Synthetic Chemistry Automation & Advanced Manufacturing - Postdoctoral Researcher

About the role

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 & Requirements

• 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.

Pay and benefits

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 $123,048 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 employee's 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!

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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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