Description

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher (job title: Postdoctoral Appointee) to join our groundbreaking project focused on leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to predict and enhance the design of biological systems, using phages as a test bed. This innovative research aims to harness AI to identify trends in complex biological data, generate new hypotheses, and streamline empirical studies, while rigorously testing the predictive power of GenAI in forecasting viable genetic modifications, evolutionary trajectories, and the potential for expanding host ranges. This position also provides opportunities for professional development, including participation in conferences and workshops, as well as potential collaborations with academic institutions. If you are eager to push the boundaries of biological design and contribute to impactful research, we encourage you to apply and be part of this exciting journey toward the future of biotechnology.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Perform bioinformatic analyses of viral and bacterial genome sequences
• Analyze viral genomic sequence data using generative AI and machine learning techniques to predict viable genetic modifications
• Maintain and manipulate phage and other viral cultures
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, cloning, and site-directed mutagenesis
• Participate in laboratory management and mentor student interns
• Analyze data and prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer reviewed scientific journals
• Present at project meetings and conferences

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, bioinformatics, or other relevant, related field
• Proven record of technical accomplishment and strong communication skills, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or presentations of research findings at scientific conferences
• Ability to obtain and maintain DOE L security clearance
  

Qualifications We Desire

• Record of publication and presentation of research findings at the intersection of AI and biology
• Strong sense of professionalism, cooperative attitude, and ability to work effectively within a team
• Experience working with phage or other viruses
• Experience with forward and reverse genetics and site-directed mutagenesis techniques, as well as cloning complex constructs and maintaining mutant libraries
• Experience using generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bioinformatics
• Proficiency in quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Familiarity with AlphaFold or similar tools to assist in rational and predictive synthetic biology

About Our Team

The Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group at Sandia National Laboratories is a diverse research group with work encompassing both basic and applied biological research. Our scientists conduct research in cell biology, immunology, microbiology, metabolic engineering, biophysics, biochemistry, and chemistry, and we seek to address problems with strong ties to national security. Our mission spaces include biodefense and health security, environmental impacts, the circular bioeconomy, and energy security. We conduct research for the Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, U.S. industries, and Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research & Development program.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.