What You Will Do

The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy group is seeking a well-rounded biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemical biology, chemistry, physical chemistry, or related field PhD graduate to join their team as a postdoctoral researcher. The team works on the development of medical countermeasures that include diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics using physical chemistry techniques to study biology.

The postdoc will provide technical expertise for the development of novel medical countermeasures that can include diagnostic assay development, biomarker characterization and the study of host-pathogen interactions. They will act as a representative for the team by attending group and team meetings.

The postdoc will be responsible for reporting research results back to the team at weekly meetings and keeping official laboratory notebooks. In addition, the postdoc will be encouraged to attend seminars that interest them and will be given networking opportunities within the laboratory. They will also be expected to present their work at conferences and to sponsors.

You may obtain information about pay structure, expectations, and other postdoc opportunities on the LANL website: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Research areas of interest/focus in biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemical biology, chemistry, physical chemistry, or related fields.

• Demonstrated experience with protein purification and characterization.

• Willingness to work with potentially hazardous chemical and biological materials.

• Proven ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Demonstrated experience and familiarity with good laboratory practices and experimental design.

• Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with a strong publication record.

• Proven ability to manage time and see tasks to completion.

• Proven ability to produce quality work by applying attention to detail.

• Demonstrated competency with computers and software applications for word processing, data processing and data visualization.

• Ability to obtain a Q clearance which normally requires U.S. Citizenship.

Education: The minimum requirement of a Ph.D. from an accredited program in biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemical biology, chemistry, physical chemistry, or related technical field completed within the past 3 years. Must have cumulative GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired Qualifications:

The ideal candidate would have interest and expertise in one or more of the following: protein expression and purification, mammalian tissue culture, binding affinity measurements using techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance, chromatography, mass spectrometry, biomarker discovery and characterization, or host-pathogen interactions. Candidates would ideally also be familiar with techniques such as Biosafety Level 2 best practices and procedures.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Where You Will Work

The Physical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (C-PCS) Group addresses national and international problems by exploiting the measurement and diagnostic power of light, which is the fastest clock and the smallest ruler. We work with a diverse range of customers to execute research projects which span basic R&D and device creation through application and deployment of systems and methods for applied missions.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth and parental leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.