Biochemistry Post-Bachelor's Student Intern

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with match

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory's Bioscience Division seeks a post-baccalaureate student for biochemistry research and interdisciplinary studies in Los Alamos, NM. The role emphasizes meticulous, self-starting work and professional communication, with a 1-year initial term and potential extension.

Key tasks include protein expression/purification in E. coli and mammalian cells, chromatography automation, protein crystallization, and structure solution.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in a biological laboratory environment.
• Basic experimental lab experience in protein chemistry or structural biology.
• Quantitative skills and a knowledge of methods to characterize the behavior of macromolecules.
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and see tasks to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to produce quality work by applying attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Expression and purification of proteins using E. coli and mammalian cell culture (HEK293 and CHO).
• Operate automated chromatography platforms and perform protein crystallization.
• Contribute to structure solution efforts.
• Maintain sterile technique and general laboratory practices.

Skills

Biology lab experience

Protein chemistry

Structural biology

Communication skills

Time management

Detail-oriented

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM field

Tools

UNIX

Python

Job description

What You Will Do

The Bioscience Division is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic post-baccalaureate student interested in biochemistry research and other interdisciplinary studies. This unique opportunity provides a wide variety of day-to-day responsibilities in a research environment where creativity is encouraged. The ideal student will be meticulous in their work, self-starting, independent, and able to communicate in a professional manner. The initial term of the appointment is 1 year, with the possibility to extend to a second year.

The successful candidate will work on projects utilizing specific tasks, including expression and purification of proteins (E. coli and mammalian cell culture, e.g. HEK293 and CHO cells), using automated chromatography platforms, protein crystallization, and structure solution. The ideal candidate will have experience in basic laboratory techniques including sterile technique, centrifugation, chromatography, nucleic acid and protein electrophoresis, and molecular biology.

LANL has an intellectually diverse environment and demands creative, innovative and pioneering solutions. LANL is a leader in the biological sciences applied to issues of national security and was a leading institution in the response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. As a national laboratory, high priority is placed in interdisciplinary studies. LANL is multidisciplinary with expertise in chemistry, materials science, bioscience, physics, engineering, computer science, social science and many other fields. The biological laboratories are equipped with the latest laboratory equipment, a protein expression and mass spectroscopy facility, and a suite of NMR spectrometers. We are located in the mountains of northern New Mexico, near Santa Fe, with close access to skiing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking and a vibrant art community.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a biological laboratory environment
• Basic experimental lab experience in one or both of the following areas: protein chemistry (expression, purification), and structural biology (X‑ray crystallography, crystallization)
• Quantitative skills and a knowledge of methods to characterize the behavior of macromolecules
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage time and see tasks to completion
• Demonstrated ability to produce quality work by applying attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn new laboratory and computational skills
• Basic knowledge of UNIX, programming skills (Python)

Education/Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in a STEM field obtained at time of hire or within the past three years. The candidate must have completed all degree requirements by commencement of the appointment and have not yet been accepted and enrolled in a graduate program.

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

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. 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 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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.