Continuous Column Chromatography - Technical Staff

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We are looking for a highly motivated Technical Staff to support an interdisciplinary project focused on developing protein-based chromatographic methods for metal ion separation. You will contribute to the development and scale-up of these processes as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. This position is in the Synthetic Biology Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Operate and maintain laboratory and pilot-scale chromatography systems, including multi-column continuous platforms such as simulated moving bed (SMB).
• Support the development, optimization, and execution of rare earth element chromatographic separations, with emphasis on SMB, multi-column, and continuous purification processes.
• Apply data-driven approaches to improve separation efficiency, yield, water usage, and process robustness.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records; contribute to data analysis and communicate results to project teams.
• Support laboratory operations including system maintenance, column packing, solution preparation, and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to troubleshoot separations and support process scale-up from bench to pilot scale.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Proficient with column chromatography, including method development and optimization for chromatographic separations.
• Comprehensive experience with SMB or multi-column continuous chromatography principles
• Proficient problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications We Desire

• Broad experience with simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography or other continuous separation technologies.
• Experience with pilot-scale or production-scale chromatography systems.
• Experience with chromatography platforms (e.g., ÄKTA systems or similar multi-column systems).
• Familiarity with modeling chromatographic processes.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $185,544 annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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 clea