Human Health Sciences - Postdoctoral Researcher

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop novel in vitro and in vivo models of human diseases to understand disease mechanisms and develop rapid detection methods and therapeutic interventions.  You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop, optimize, characterize, and validate assays that help to inform disease progression and immune responses. This position is in the Human Health Sciences Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will

• Design and implement in vitro and in vivo models of exposure to pathogens and environmental  toxins  to assess immune response and identify immune correlates of protection or disease susceptibility.
• Design and utilize assays under biosafety level 2 and 3 or containment.
• Design, implement, and analyze multi-color flow cytometry and cell sorting experiments.
• Design and perform assays to assess immune function in animal models in response to infection with risk group (RG) 2 and RG 3 pathogens or environmental toxins.
• Design and perform single cell isolation and prepare sequencing libraries and critically evaluate large data sets to troubleshoot and refine assays as needed.
• Design and apply biochemical, molecular and genetic assays to validate key biological pathways in cells and animals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned; including occasional weekend work and additional hours during the week may be required to follow through with on-going experiments, and travel as required.

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, immunology, infectious diseases or related field.
• Experience using multi-color flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Experience characterizing immune responses in animal models.
• Knowledge of typical molecular biology laboratory instruments.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Ability to travel as required.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with DNA and RNA extraction using Qiagen kits including minipreps, maxipreps, gel extraction and PCR purification.
• Knowledge of nanoparticle platforms for vaccine applications, protein purification and characterization techniques. Experience with fungi and animal models of infection.
• Experience using high-throughput gene expression data (RNAseq, single cell RNAseq etc) to probe immune function.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2020 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site . 

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Security Clearance

LLNL is a Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Laboratory.  Most positions will require a DOE L or Q clearance (please reference Security Clearance requirement).  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. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  An L or Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship.  If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.  For additional information please see DOE Order 472.2 (link is external) .

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via our online form . 

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