What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biophysicist/Biochemist position at nrel?
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States. NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview. DOE rules for site access during the interview process are the same regardless of whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE). We understand that COVID-19 may have caused delays or closures at offices, consulates, and embassies. However, NREL cannot make exceptions to work authorization and access requirements, and exceptions to these requirements are not being made for COVID-19 related delays. Please review the information on our Hiring Process website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NREL, visit our Careers site, and continue to search for job opportunities at the lab. Posting Title Biophysicist/Biochemist . Location CO - Golden . Position Type Postdoc (Fixed Term) . Hours Per Week 40 . COVID-19 Safety Protocols Employment at NREL is contingent upon your compliance with all NREL and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) safety protocols and mitigation efforts directed at the COVID-19 pandemic. Working at NREL The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our eight employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes. NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves. Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet. Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role. Job Description The Physical Biochemistry and Photosynthesis Group in the Biosciences Center has an immediate opening for a full-time (40 hours/week) Postdoctoral Researcher position to conduct fundamental research on light-driven N2 reduction by nitrogenase. The project is a multi-institutional collaboration with teams at CU-Boulder, Utah State University and Oklahoma State University. The work to be conducted at NREL integrates photoinitiated reaction chemistry with biophysical methodologies to understand the electron transfer and N2 reduction mechanism of nitrogenase. The candidate’s research responsibilities will encompass the application of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), optical spectroscopy and photochemical towards the broader goal of understanding the selectivity, reaction intermediates and kinetics of catalytic N2 activation. The paramagnetic and photochemical spectroscopy will be conducted at the new Advanced Spin Resonance Facility at NREL, which includes multiple continuous-wave and pulsed EPR spectrometers, as well as optical probes, a fiber optic laser, and photochemical freeze-quench apparatus. The research project is highly collaborative and involves both internal and external groups. Therefore, the candidate will be required on a regular basis to prepare reports on research progress, as well as write manuscripts of the work and present results at national meetings. The primary responsibility will be to conduct basic research on nitrogenase enzymes and related metalloenzymes using a variety of methods including biochemical analysis, photochemical EPR, and photochemical reactions. Primary responsibilities include the preparation of results for publication, and regular reports on research progress. The candidate will be expected to assist in project planning and proposal development. Some responsibility for the training and supervision of students and new postdoctoral scientists will also be required. . Basic Qualifications Must be a recent PhD graduate within the last three years. . Additional Required Qualifications · PhD awarded within the past three years in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or similar. · Previous experience conducting basic research on redox enzymes using anaerobic techniques, including measuring electronic properties using EPR, IR biophysical approaches. · Experience with the safe handling of inorganic materials and nanoparticles. · Knowledge of anaerobic laboratory techniques for expression, purification, and handling of oxygen-sensitive redox active biocatalysts. · Experience with biological freeze-quench and stopped-flow techniques as applied to enzyme kinetics and mechanisms. · Experience with light induced, transient EPR and pulsed EPR techniques. Preferred Qualifications . Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week) Job Profile: Postdoctoral Researcher / Annual Salary Range: $71,300 - $117,600 NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions. Benefits Summary Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short-term disability insurance*; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; and paid holidays. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. * Based on eligibility rules Submission Guidelines Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application. . EEO Policy NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws. EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Reasonable Accommodations E-Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify|For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
Salary : $71,300 - $117,600
