Postdoctoral Appointee – Natural Photosynthetic System

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering (CSE) Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee who, under the guidance of a supervisor, will conduct fundamental research on solar energy conversion in natural photosynthetic systems and design biohybrid complexes for solar-driven fuels production.   Research includes protein bioinorganic and biochemistry techniques, the development of methods to augment native and modified photosynthetic protein frameworks with abiotic cofactors, and the characterization of structure-function relationships in hybrid assemblies using a range of spectroscopic techniques.

Participates in protein isolation and characterization. Develops bioinorganic methods for protein modification enabling structure-function analysis of native photosynthetic systems and the insertion of abiotic cofactors into photosynthetic protein frameworks.  Characterizes the structure, electron transfer properties, and catalytic function of native protein-protein interactions and hybrid assemblies using a range of biophysical spectroscopic techniques.  Analyzes data, prepares manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications, and makes presentations at scientific meetings.  Maintains comprehensive knowledge of pertinent literature.  Develops new ideas, concepts, and/or research proposals.

Position Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of and experimental expertise in one or more of the following areas:  Photosystem I, thylakoid membranes, protein isolation, protein modification, protein function characterization, protein cofactor characterization, protein structure characterization

• Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.  Good skill in data processing, evaluation, and interpretation.  Good skill in working in an interdisciplinary research team setting

• Some knowledge of and experimental expertise in protein design and expression using recombinant DNA and microbial protein expression techniques, organic/inorganic chemistry, biophysics, TA and EPR spectroscopy

• This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in bioinorganic chemistry, biochemistry, or biophysical chemistry or related disciplines at the Ph.D. degree level with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent in the scientific application of this knowledge and practical laboratory experience

• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

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