Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Based Quantum Biosensing and Bioinorganic Chemistry

About the role

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a creative and results-oriented Postdoctoral Researcher to advance research at the intersection of f-element coordination chemistry, metalloprotein biochemistry, and quantum sensing. The successful candidate will help develop novel biosensors for recognizing and characterizing lanthanide and actinide ions while working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research setting. The position is based onsite in Los Alamos, NM, with an initial two‑year appointment and the possibility of a one‑year extension.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in f-element coordination chemistry, chelator design, and metal‑protein interactions.
• Develop original research concepts for the selective recognition of lanthanide and actinide ions in aqueous solutions.
• Develop fluorescence and ODMR measurements of metal‑binding constructs and determine how metal coordination affects ODMR contrast, resonance spectra, and spin‑relaxation behavior.
• Validate ODMR‑derived responses using complementary techniques such as ITC, fluorescence titration, ICP‑MS, EPR, or luminescence spectroscopy.
• Communicate research findings through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to invention disclosures and patent applications when appropriate.

Requirements

• PhD in bioinorganic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, radiochemistry, or a closely related field.
• The degree must have been awarded within the past five years or be completed before the appointment begins.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct original research, supported by a record of peer‑reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience in coordination chemistry, ideally involving lanthanides or actinides, including ligand or chelator design and evaluation of metal‑binding thermodynamics and speciation.
• Experience with one or more relevant characterization methods, such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), EPR, multinuclear NMR, X‑ray absorption spectroscopy, or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS).
• Experience conjugating chelators to proteins while retaining protein structure and function.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and handling of folded metalloproteins.
• Experience engineering and analyzing metal‑binding sites in protein scaffolds, siderophores, or peptide chelators.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of resonance spectra and binding curves.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)