Biosciences Technician - Neurobiology

NOTE: This is a flexible term position dependent on project funding. Current funding is expected for at least 2 years.

The Bioscience and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate at LLNL is seeking to fill a position for a dedicated and hardworking Biosciences Technician with experience in neurobiology, cellular biology and/or molecular biology. In this position, you will provide technical support for establishing and evaluating 2D and 3D primary cultures of the nervous system and related animal research. In addition, you will support the preparation and processing of samples for multiomic analyses. Your role will involve working on defined research projects, where you will be expected to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and a keen attention to detail within a team of scientists. This position is in the Human Health Sciences Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

You will:

• Follow protocols for isolating and establishing primary human and rodent neuronal and glia cultures.
• Maintain cell cultures and perform routine cell-based assays (e.g., electrophysiology, optical microscopy, immunostaining, preparation of samples other offline assays).
• Prepare and process samples for multiomic analysis, and perform transcriptional sequencing experiments (e.g. bulk RNA sequencing, single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics)
• Provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity that require creative use of established and/or innovative methods.
• Collaborate with colleagues for experimental design, assay performance, data acquisition and analysis.
• Perform technical laboratory procedures, where attention to detail, effective troubleshooting skills and good judgment are required.
• Maintain an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and maintain complete records of experiments.
• Contribute to basic lab maintenance (restocking, waste removal, organization etc.)
• Participate in preparing for annual safety inspections and maintaining a safe laboratory environment.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work area; perform daily maintenance, clean up, and workspace organization within assigned work areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional duties at the SES.2 level:

• Analyze current process procedures and provide feedback for the optimization and improvement of workflow.
• Perform quality control and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Provide occasional training on laboratory procedures to other employees.
• Offer feedback, identify areas of improvement and efficiency on laboratory protocols.
• Attend and present technical status reports at meetings.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of and experience with sterile techniques, culturing and maintenance of tissue cultures, and media preparation.
• Fundalmental knowledge of cellular and biochemical techniques (electrophysiology, optical microscopy, immunostaining).
• Fundamental understanding of multiomic techniques (transcriptomics, proteomics)
• Ability to use scientific instruments and operate standard equipment in routine assignments.
• Ability to follow directions and standard written laboratory protocols.
• Basic computer skills, including experience with standard software and database programs such Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform basic laboratory maintenance (restocking, waste removal, organization etc.).
• Sufficient written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports and to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment both independently and as a team with a diverse set of scientists, administrative, and other technical staff.
• Effective problem-solving skills to implement solutions of limited complexity.
• Ability to work weekends.

Qualifications at the SES.2 level:

• MA/MS in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and experience, with multi-omics sample preparation and analysis.
• Ability to carry out experiments for primary rat and human cells in Biosafety Level 2 laboratory.

Qualifications we desire: 

• Ability to work and troubleshoot independently.
• Ability to be organized, work with large teams and communicate effectively.
• Data analysis including R and statistics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.