Organic Synthesis and Automation - Academic Graduate Appointee

We have an opening for Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in projects in support of the Laboratory’s national security mission. As part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Materials Science Division, you will perform syntheses of organic precursors for energetic materials utilizing standard laboratory techniques, as well as the incorporation and development of automated analytical tools and platforms.

This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of being extended to two years.

In this role you will:

• Synthesize organic small molecules at the bench scale.
• Utilize automated synthesis workstations, microwave reactors, and photoreactors for organic synthesis.
• Characterize synthesized products using a variety of analytical techniques, including: HPLC, DART-MS, FTIR, UV-Vis, Raman, TLC, GCMS, microscopy (optical and digital), melting point determination, and NMR.
• Familiarize and utilize forward and retrosynthetic planning tools for synthesis such as SciFinder or Reaxys.
• Basic maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instruments such as DART-MS, FTIR, NMR.
• Keep an accurate and detailed electronic laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research planning. Prepare progress reports and presentations to supervisor/mentor and project teams.
• Provide technical support to engineers and scientists in research and development projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or in a related field.
• Experience performing wide-ranging experiments in a chemistry laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of general laboratory fundamentals and best practices.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate technical information effectively with technicians, peers, and managers.
• Experience operating PC and/or Macintosh computers to collect, analyze and document scientific results.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, technicians, and other technical and administrative staff.

 

Qualifications we desire

• Experience in organic chemistry laboratory settings.

• Experience in synthesis, purification, and analysis of small molecules and/or polymeric materials.
• Experience with utilization and design of experiment for in-situ process analytical technology.
• Experience with automated platforms for synthesis.
• Experience in flow chemistry.
• Experience with SMILES and SMARTS notation, Python, MATLAB, JMP statistical software.

Pay Range

$6,748 - $7,718 Monthly 

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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