Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioinformatics in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Overview
The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) in the Bioscience Division is seeking candidates interested in utilizing and developing proteomics, metabolomics, and/or lipidomics pipelines to deeply characterize a variety of sample types, coupled with bioinformatics utilizing data generated from high resolution platforms. Candidates skilled in handling large scale proteomics, metabolomics or lipidomics data are encouraged to apply. Candidates should be able to process data both quantitatively and qualitatively, and ideally have experience developing targeted, quantitative workflows. Experience implementing quality control standards for metabolomics is desired for this position; this includes the use of reference, quantitative, process control, and system performance standards. An ideal candidate will be able to work independently supporting multiple projects all of which have a National Security application. This includes, but is not limited to, developing sample preparation workflows for biofluids including saliva, urine, and/or blood, developing targeted methods for monitoring select biomarker panels including proteins and small molecules, and characterizing the in vitro, molecular response following exposure to toxicants of concern. Applicants will have access to state-of-the-art high resolution mass spectrometers including multiple Orbitrap platforms, as well as access to state-of-the-art computing resources including the use of High Performance Computing. You will be expected to publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present your work at conferences. Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment and we expect our Postdoctoral Research Associates to exhibit this same esprit de corps.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Well-established record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Communication skills evidenced by reports, publications, and oral presentations at conferences
Demonstrated experience using bioinformatics tools and developing computational workflows
Experience working with high-dimensional and complex datasets
Fundamental understanding of mass spectrometry with a focus on -omics and their pipelines
Hands on experience in regards to sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis
Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires US Citizenship
Education: A Ph.D. in a STEM field completed within the last five years or to be completed by commencement of appointment.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience handling/processing a wide range of proteomic/metabolomic data such as DDA, DIA,de-novo, top-down, etc., including data from large scale studies
Experience developing quantitative methods for small molecule and protein analysis
Ability to implement elements of quality control to account for background, extractionefficiency, quantitative precision, reproducible liquid chromatography separations, andstandards/sample pools for feature identification
Ability to build in-house metabolite libraries and utilize publicly available resources is preferred(e.g., NIST and/or MzCloud)
Familiarity applying machine learning and statistics to develop robust biomarker panels
Familiarity with harmonizing different -omics data sets for pathway analysis and correlativeStudies
Knowledge of mass spectrometry -omics for biomarker discovery using proteomics,metabolomics, and/or lipidomics
Experience with the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various massspectrometers, including Thermo Fisher Orbitrap platforms
Familiarity using software packages such as Proteome Discoverer, Compound Discoverer, orTracefinder
Demonstrated experience using bioinformatics tools and developing computational workflows
Strong background in multivariate statistical analysis and predictive modeling
Proficiency in data visualization and communicating analytical results
Experience conducting network analysis (e.g., relational or graph-based data)
Expertise in machine learning and software development
Demonstrated ability to translate analytical findings into actionable insights
Proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., Python or R), and knowledge of massspectrometry data
Work Environment:
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. Candidates may work a 9/80 schedule at the discretion of management and in accordance with the Postdoc Program Resource Guide. Initial appointment is for two years; a third year may be possible based on performance and programmatic need. Exceptional candidates may be considered for LANL Director's Fellowships and named fellowships.
Work Location: The work location for this position has the potential for remote work. Remote work is defined as working offsite that is greater than 2 hours of the Laboratory location. Reporting onsite may be periodically necessary. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Note to Applicants:
Required Application Materials
Current resume/CV
Current official transcripts
Cover letter/personal statement of interest, not to exceed one page
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
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://int.lanl.gov/org/ddops/oma/prime-contract-management/applicable-directives/_assets/docs/DOE-O-206.2-Chg-2-LtdChg-Identity,-Credential,-and-Access-Management-ICAM-1.pdf) . 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.
No Clearance: 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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947.
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