Sustainable Polymer Chemist Postdoc

---

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Materials Sciences Division has an opening for a Sustainable Polymer Chemist.

In this exciting role, you will lead the synthetic development of infinitely recyclable polymers (e.g., polydiketoenamines, PDK) from which design rules underpinning plastics manufacturing, performance, and recycling emerge. These activities will be supervised by the Helms group and involve collaboration with researchers in the Chemical Sciences Division, Materials Sciences Division, the Molecular Foundry, and the Advanced Light Source.

What You Will Do:

• Provide deep technical expertise in organic and polymer synthesis.
• Forge an understanding of structure-reactivity-property relationships in infinitely recyclable polymers.
• Devise polymer processing methods for novel polymers and perform in-depth thermomechanical characterization (DSC, TGA, DMA, tensiometry, rheometry).
• Play a key role in maintaining a robust and inclusive safety culture.
• Maintain a detailed and accurate record of all research activities and outcomes
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to scientific research papers, program reports, review articles; present oral reports.
• Mentor junior researchers associated with the program, while collectively meeting program milestones on schedule

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, or chemical engineering.
• Extensive experience in synthetic and physical organic chemistry.
• Demonstrated knowledge or expertise in characterization methods of organic and polymeric materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge or expertise in polymer processing.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and perform collaborative research and effectively interact with a broad range of colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately and eloquently represent and promote scientific projects to audiences of diverse technical backgrounds.
• Experience in the preparation and handling of scientific manuscripts, reports, and research posters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 1-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 4 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:
Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.