Postdoctoral Research Associate in Advanced 3D Bioimaging

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong optics background to develop 3D microscopy methods and advanced tracking for visualizing antigen–antibody binding events.

The role combines instrument development, hardware control, biological sample preparation, experimental design, and quantitative analysis in a collaborative national lab setting near Los Alamos, NM.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the past five years or to be completed before the appointment begins.
• A strong background in optics, including experience designing optical layouts and performing precise alignment.
• Experience developing optomechanical hardware and instrument-control software.
• Experience with basic laboratory sample preparation, including slide functionalization and solution preparation.
• A demonstrated record of scientific achievement through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, align, and optimize custom optical systems for 3D tracking and light-sheet microscopy.
• Develop and integrate optomechanical hardware, detectors, and instrument-control software.
• Plan and conduct experiments that visualize and quantify individual antigen-antibody binding events.
• Prepare and functionalize microscopy samples, including slides and surfaces, and handle biological specimens such as bacteria and viruses.
• Develop data-processing and analysis workflows for advanced imaging experiments.
• Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

Skills

Optics design

3D microscopy

Instrument control

Data analysis

Biological imaging

Experimental design

Hardware integration

Sample preparation

Education

PhD in engineering or related

Tools

Detectors

Instrument-control software

Optomechanical hardware

Job description

What You Will Do

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a strong background in optics to develop and apply advanced three-dimensional microscopy methods. The successful candidate will contribute to custom 3D tracking and light-sheet instruments designed to visualize individual antigen-antibody binding events. This highly interdisciplinary position combines optical instrument development, hardware control, biological sample preparation, experimental design, and quantitative data analysis.

Research Focus

The project will use new microscopy approaches to address scientific challenges relevant to pathogen detection, host-pathogen interactions, and algal biofuel development. The position offers the opportunity to work across optics, engineering, biophysics, and biological imaging within a collaborative national laboratory environment.

Research Responsibilities

• Design, build, align, and optimize custom optical systems for 3D tracking and light-sheet microscopy.


• Develop and integrate optomechanical hardware, detectors, and instrument-control software.


• Plan and conduct experiments that visualize and quantify individual antigen-antibody binding events.


• Prepare and functionalize microscopy samples, including slides and surfaces, and handle biological specimens such as bacteria and viruses.


• Develop data-processing and analysis workflows for advanced imaging experiments.


• Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• A PhD in engineering, physics, biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. The degree must have been completed within the past five years or be completed before the appointment begins.


• A strong background in optics, including experience designing optical layouts and performing precisionalignment.


• Experience developing optomechanical hardware and instrument-control software.


• Experience with basic laboratory sample preparation, including slide functionalization and solution preparation.


• A demonstrated record of scientific achievement through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with single-photon detection methods, including single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors, time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), or photon antibunching measurements.


• Experience developing instrument-control software and quantitative data-analysis workflows.


• Experience with light-sheet microscopy or three-dimensional single-particle tracking.


• Comfort working in a wet-lab environment, including synthesis and biological sample preparation.

Work Environment

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.

Postdoctoral program and benefits: LANL Postdoctoral Research Program

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.

Eligibility requirements

• To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.