Postdoctoral Research Associate

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) plan with matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gyms

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Carlsbad, NM, invites applications for a postdoctoral scientist in the Actinide Chemistry and Repository Science Program (ACRSP) to conduct basic and applied environmental microbiology research supporting the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant safety case.

You will work at LANL offsite laboratories in Carlsbad, applying microbial cultivation, taxonomy, and molecular methods to study interactions with actinides and biodegradation of cellulosic waste under high ionic

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or related field within last 5 years.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills in English.
• Experience performing independent research with publications or reports.
• Knowledge of safe practices for technical work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct basic and applied environmental microbiological research for the WIPP safety case.
• Cultivate and characterize microorganisms from the repository.
• Study interactions of microorganisms with actinides and biodegradation under high ionic strength.
• Present findings and contribute to published reports and technical documents.

Skills

Problem-solving

English communication

Independent research

Safe laboratory practices

Microorganism cultivation

Molecular biology techniques

Bioinformatics

Education

PhD in biology / microbiology / related field

Tools

GC

HPLC

IC

Job description

What You Will Do

Join the Actinide Chemistry and Repository Science Program (ACRSP) as a postdoctoral scientist to conduct basic and applied environmental microbiological research to support the safety case for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) deep geological repository for legacy radioactive waste.

As a member of the ACRSP team, you will work at offsite LANL laboratories located in Carlsbad, NM. These laboratories are configured primarily for radioactive work and its support but also have resources for environmental microbiology applications. Work may include cultivation and characterization of microorganisms present in the repository, biodegradation of waste components by said organisms, interactions of microorganisms with actinides (e.g., sorption), and microbial survival and activity in high ionic strength systems. Work will primarily focus on the biodegradation of cellulosic wastes by halophilic organisms at high ionic strength.

• Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications listed below (maximum 2 pages)
• Current CV including publications
• Optional: Summary of your relevant research projects. Figures, tables, and/or schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated experience with technical communication (verbal or written) in English
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, as evidenced by dissertation, publications, technical reports, and presentations
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe practices for technical work

Education/Experience: Candidates must have received PhD within the last 5 years (or imminent awarding of said degree) in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field

Desired Qualifications:

• Aerobic and anaerobic cultivation of microorganisms
• Expertise in various molecular methods (e.g., DNA/RNA purification and sequencing, PCR, protein purification)
• Bioinformatics experience (with any -omics data)
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, such as GC, HPLC, IC
• Experience with statistical packages, such as R Studio or other
• Prior work with radioactive materials is a plus but not required

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):

Ability to discriminate speech, sit, stand, walk, type or keyboard, and go on domestic and foreign travel. For the laboratory: ability to smell, use both hands to grip, press, push and pull; work near electrical equipment and ionizing radiation; work with carcinogens and radioactive materials in ventilated hoods and gloveboxes; and wear required safety equipment (glasses, gloves, coats, as appropriate.)

Work Location:

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Carlsbad, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants:

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. 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.