Neuroscientist

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 Physical and Life Sciences at LLNL is seeking to fill a position for a dedicated and hardworking Research Scientist with a background in Neuroscience/Neurobiology with demonstrated experience in behavioral assessments, electrophysiology and other advanced in vivo experimentation approaches. In this position, you will direct and conduct advanced animal biology research, contributing to our understanding of the brain for mission relevant programs. 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 multidisciplinary team of scientists. This position is in the Animal Care Facility Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will:

• Lead and conduct in vivo experiments that include rat models
• Collaborate with other scientists for in vivo experiments including behavioral assays/analyses
• Utilize advanced neurobiology techniques to investigate and understand mechanisms of brain injury/repair
• Evaluate large data sets to refine, inform, and design subsequent experiments.
• Conduct literature reviews on state-of-the-art approaches relevant to the problem being addressed.
• Train and mentor early career and technician level staff
• Collaborate and interact with inter-organizational contacts and/or external customers.
• Prepare and present technical reports

Additional duties at the SES.3 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• M.S. in Neuroscience or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Proficient experience with rat behavior and physiology techniques, including electrophysiology, behavioral testing and apparatus training and optimization.
• Proficiency in statistical data analyses.
• Comprehensive experience with ex vivo sample collection and preparation for molecular biology, histology, or -omics analyses.
• Practical experience with animal handling and behavioral testing
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and comprehensive ability to learn new software.
• Proficiency with surgical practices and histology
• AAALAS certification at LAT, LATG or CMAR level desirable.

Qualifications at the SES.3 level:

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment and able to work both independently and as a team member with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.
• Significant experience with in vivo behavioral assessments.
• Lead junior team members with coaching, mentoring, and training
• Conduct experiments independently, with troubleshooting and optimization as necessary
• Be responsible for experimental outcomes and report to project leads

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. 

California Privacy Notice

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.