Post Masters Student

What You Will Do

The Bioscience Division is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic post-master’s student interested in performing algal biology research. The successful candidate will work with a team of scientists and postdocs on a project that focuses on adaptive and mutational evolution to improve traits for outdoor cultivation. The student will be expected to contribute to maintaining algae and bacteria cell cultures, perform growth experiments, and complete molecular biology experiments. The ideal student must be meticulous in their work, self-starting, independent, and able to communicate in a professional manner. The term of the appointment is 2 years.

The student will also act as a representative for the Applied Genomics Team by attending group and team meetings. Responsibilities include conducting research and reporting results back to the team at weekly meetings. In additional, the student is encouraged to attend seminars and other LANL functions to expand their knowledge base and broaden interests. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in networking and social events.

Interested individuals must first ensure they meet LANL’s Student Program’s eligibility requirements (included below). You may also obtain more information about pay structure, expectations, and other internship opportunities, please visit the LANL website: http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• General background in biology, molecular biology, microbiology

• Demonstrated advanced experience in standard molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, and sterile technique

• Demonstrated experience in collection of data for cellular characteristics (i.e. cell culture)

• Familiarity with good laboratory practices and biological experiment design

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

• Ability to maintain and record work performed, data obtained, as well as write and follow detailed protocols

• Ability to understand and present research results clearly and succinctly in both written and oral formats

• Ability to comfortably work independently and as part of a team

• Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week on a consistent schedule

• Ability to manage time and see tasks to completion

Desired Qualifications: Ideally, the candidate has interest and/or experience in one or more of the following: biomedical research, virology, evolution, high-throughput phenotyping, functional genomics, sequencing analysis (deep sequencing/sanger), microbiology.

Education: A master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, or related technical field obtained at the time of hire or within the past 3 years, and have not yet been accepted into another master’s program or Ph.D. program.

Location: This position will be physically located in Los Alamos, NM.

COVID Vaccine: The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all Laboratory students working on-site and students coming on-site, as well as any students coming on-site for any reason; unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law.

Note to Applicants: Please submit the following through the LANL application system: 1) A brief cover letter addressing how you meet the required and desired skills ; 2)A current CV/resume that includes educational background, degree dates, GPA , technical skills, and a list of three references and their contact information.Only complete applications with both a cover letter and CV/resume will be considered. References will not be contacted without permission from the applicant.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Bioscience Division (B) comprises a diverse group of experimentalists and computer scientists who work closely with other interdisciplinary scientists across the Laboratory. Their work serves the Nation by developing science and technology to reduce natural and deliberate threats to human populations, their way of life, and the global environment.

Additional Details

Directive 206.2-Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . 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.

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 for applicant eligibility requirements.

For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page.

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

or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage toactivateyour account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage .

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important : Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage tocreatean account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply:Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job’s details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip : To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email [email protected] for assistance.

Appointment Type

GRA

GRA

Contact Details
Contact Name Sutton, Jennifer Anne
Email [email protected]
Work Telephone
Vacancy Name: IRC90794
Organization Name B-10/Bioscience - Biosecurity and Public Health
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
Req ID: IRC90794
Category: Student - Post Bachelor