What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Polymer Chemistry position at Berkeley Lab?
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s ( LBNL ) Materials Science Division ( MSD ) has an opening for an Organic and Polymer Postdoctoral Fellow where Dr. Brett Helms leads a dynamic, cross-disciplinary team pioneering sustainable polymers with closed-loop lifecycles. Our mission: to design infinitely recyclable plastics—like polydiketoenamines (PDKs)—that redefine manufacturing, performance, and recycling, driving the transition to a circular economy.
As an Organic and Polymer Postdoctoral Fellow, you’ll spearhead the synthesis of next-generation recyclable polymers and uncover the design rules that will shape the future of sustainable materials. Collaborate with world-class researchers across LBNL’s Materials Sciences Division, Molecular Foundry, and Advanced Light Source, leveraging cutting-edge facilities to accelerate your impact. This is your chance to contribute to transformative science while growing your career at a renowned national lab.
What You Will Do
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
As an Organic and Polymer Postdoctoral Fellow, you’ll spearhead the synthesis of next-generation recyclable polymers and uncover the design rules that will shape the future of sustainable materials. Collaborate with world-class researchers across LBNL’s Materials Sciences Division, Molecular Foundry, and Advanced Light Source, leveraging cutting-edge facilities to accelerate your impact. This is your chance to contribute to transformative science while growing your career at a renowned national lab.
What You Will Do
- Drive innovative organic and polymer synthesis projects focused on recyclable materials.
- Explore structure–reactivity–property relationships to guide polymer design and applications.
- Conduct hands-on polymer processing and thermomechanical analysis (e.g., DSC, TGA, DMA, Instron, rheometry).
- Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and present at leading conferences.
- Mentor junior researchers and foster an inclusive, safety-first team culture.
- Keep meticulous records to support collaboration and project milestones.
- Ph.D. in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.
- Expertise in synthetic or physical organic chemistry and polymer characterization.
- Proficiency in polymer processing techniques.
- Strong communication skills and a knack for translating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to team success.
- Experience with scientific writing and presentations (manuscripts, posters, talks).
- Experience mentoring or training early-career researchers.
- This is a full-time, 2-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 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- The monthly salary range for this position is $ 5,562. 00- $ 6,670 .00 and is expected to start at $ 5,562. 00/ mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
- 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
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
