Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Cell Biology in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) is seeking a Human Cell Biology-focused Postdoctoral Research Associate to drive human cell culture model-focused research in toxicology and exposure characterization. Experience in culturing microphysiology systems (MPS) and/or organoids would be a valuable addition, though not required. This role will primarily support ongoing mission-relevant research for the defense and health communities, while also providing the flexibility to pursue research interests through proposal writing opportunities. The candidate will work directly with a staff scientist and in a highly collaborative environment with team expertise ranging from chemical synthesis, exposure experimentation, to characterization via mass spectrometry and data analysis and interpretation. The position includes opportunities to publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences and potentially travel for collaboration.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Design and execute cell culture-focused experiments, including but not limited to exposure experiments and dose-dependent studies
Contribute to cell culture model selection and comparison; ability to develop human cell culture models (MPS, organoid, stem cell differentiation) is a plus
Develop and/or refine sample preparation workflows alongside mass spectrometry experts
Assist in integrating multi-omics findings (proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics) results with biological context and complementary measurements
Maintain thorough documentation of experimental activities via electronic laboratory notebooks
Effectively communicate results in both written and oral formats, including verbal briefings, publications, technical reports, and conference presentations
What You Need
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field completed within the last five years (or expected by the start date).
Dissertation defense must be completed by position start date, with letter from university assuring
degree completion if starting before commencement ceremonies
Preferred training in Biomedical Sciences, Immunology and Microbiology, Toxicology, Biomedical
Engineering, or other related fields
Strong peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with career stage
Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication (e.g., manuscripts, reports,
presentations)
Demonstrated experience with cell culture experimentation
Deep understanding of cell biology fundamentals and experimental design
Hands-on experience spanning sample preparation, instrument operation/data acquisition, and data Analysis
Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship)
Desired Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience with hazardous chemical exposure or infection experiments
Demonstrated experience with light and fluorescence microscopy
Experience engineering culture models (MPS or other) is a plus
Experience with Graphpad Prism software for figures and statistics
Experience in Python programming is a plus
Experience with assay kits such as colorimetric, luminescence, or fluorescence readout LDH assays
Experience in sample preparation for omics such as nucleic acid sequencing or mass spectrometry
Required Application Materials
Current resume/CV
Current official transcripts
Cover letter/personal statement of interest, not to exceed one page
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.
Work Schedule
This position is located in Los Alamos, NM. 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.
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.