Summary

Postdoctoral Positions in Carbohydrate Synthesis: The Signature, Ligand & Assay Development Group of the Bioscience Division (B-9) is seeking outstanding candidates for postdoctoral positions for the synthesis of biologically relevant carbohydrate substrates involved in the detection and/or capture of biothreat agents. These positions will support CDC and LANL funded projects to study (1) carbohydrate ligand/pathogen specificity, (2) novel detection methods using carbohydrate ligands, and (3) assay development for sensitive and high throughput pathogen analysis. We use solid phase synthesis including magnetic beads and enzyme based discrimination of carbohydrate substrate specificity coupled with GC/LC MS methods for sensitive detection. We are also part of the National Stable Isotope Resource at LANL, which gives us extended in house access to 13C and 2H enriched precursors for enhanced detection methods using NMR and MS. Although this position is primarily concerned with carbohydrate synthesis, we routinely make use of the extensive biological experience and resources present in our group and our division including protein synthesis and/or isolation, multidimensional NMR based structural/binding analysis, and flow cell technology. These positions (2) are available immediately.

Required Skills

A strong background in organic synthesis, purification, and analysis is required. Other requirements include a strong publication record; the ability to work creatively and independently; and excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desired Skills

Experience in carbohydrate protection, deprotection, and coupling is highly desirable. Since this project involves extensive interaction with biological systems, a good understanding of enzyme dynamics and cell surface phenomenon is also preferred.

Education

A Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, or equivalent completed within the last five years or soon to be completed is required.

Notes To Applicants

For more informtation contact David Kimball at dkimball@lanl.gov or Jurgen Schmidt at jschmidt@lanl.gov

Pre-Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a pre-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.

Government Conflict of Interest

To ensure that you and LANL avoid any potential conflicts of interest, all current/former Government Officials must read and respond, if applicable, to the LANL Applicant Disclosure Form.

Contact

For specific questions about the status of this job, call (505)665-1917