Postdoctoral Researcher in Membrane Biophysics

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 85,050 - 103,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthy medical insurance (PPO or HDHP

Dental and vision insurance

Award-winning 401(k) (6% + 3.5%)

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks an independent postdoctoral researcher to advance computational biophysics at the interface of membrane biology, statistical mechanics, and biophysics.

The role focuses on atomistic and coarse-grained simulations of complex membranes and membrane proteins, developing multiscale workflows and exploring lipid-based platforms, viral and bacterial membranes, and organelle membranes.

Qualifications

• Atomistic simulations of protein-membrane systems (CHARMM36m preferred).
• Coarse-grained simulations of protein-membrane (MARTINI preferred).
• Ability to code complicated analysis in Python.
• Expertise in enhanced sampling methods.
• Familiarity with GROMACS.
• Expertise in accelerating simulations with Machine Learning approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop multiscale simulation workflows to model complex membrane-based biomolecular systems.
• Model lipid-based synthetic platforms, viral and bacterial membranes, and human organelle membranes.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to integrate computational and experimental results.

Skills

Python programming

Enhanced sampling methods

Machine learning integration

Written communication

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

GROMACS

CHARMM36m

MARTINI

Job description

What You Will Do

We are looking for an independent and creative individual with an excellent record to join our research efforts in projects at the interface of Membrane Biology, Statistical Mechanics and Biophysics. This postdoctoral position is available to work in the field of computational biophysics in the Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in atomistic and coarse-grained simulations of complex membranes and membrane proteins. The successful candidate will develop multiscale simulation workflows to model complex membrane based biomolecular systems. It will require modeling lipid based synthetic platforms, viral and bacterial membranes, and human organelle membranes.

The candidate should also have prior knowledge of modeling carbohydrates and experience in running molecular dynamics simulations of glycoproteins and glycolipids.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience in atomistic simulations of protein-membrane systems (CHARMM36m preferred)
• Experience in coarse-grained simulations of protein-membrane (MARTINI preferred)
• Ability to code complicated analysis in Python
• Expertise in enhanced sampling methods
• Familiarity with GROMACS
• Expertise in accelerating simulations with Machine Learning approaches

Education: PhD in related field completed within the last 5 years or soon to be completed.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in using AI/ML tools for protein design
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Past research collaborations with experimentalists
• Experience in multi-disciplinary research projects

Salary

Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500 and increases with years of experience post PhD. For more information on salary and benefits, please visit LANL's Postdoctoral Research page: https://collaboration.lanl.gov/postdoctoral-research/

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.

Note to Applicants: For further information please contact: [e-mail] . For information on projects, please check the following webpage https://cnls.lanl.gov/External/people/Gnana.html

This job ad will remain open until December 31, 2026, or until positions are filled.

Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Fellowships. For general information to go to Postdoc 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 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. 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.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email [e-mail] or call [phone], opt. 3.