Structural Vaccinology - Postdoctoral Researcher

NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in the field of structural vaccinology and computational immunology. The successful candidate will work at the nexus of physics-based modeling and machine learning techniques and apply state-of-the-art experimental evaluations. You will work in an interdisciplinary team that includes computational structural biologists, infectious disease biologists, immunologists, engineers, and others to create a novel capability for designing broadly protective vaccine antigens. We offer a stimulating and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and encourages professional growth. Join us in our mission to advance vaccine development and make a positive impact on global health.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct advanced independent research to design and construct vaccine candidates using both experimental and computational approaches
• Employ a variety of structural biology techniques, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, to determine the 3D structures of vaccine candidates and their interactions with the immune system
• Use physics-based modeling, simulation, and machine learning techniques to predict protein-protein interactions, protein stability, and other biophysical properties
• Use high-throughput and automated protein expression systems and characterization assays to design and test vaccine immunogens in vitro
• Develop collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of computational scientists, structural biologists, engineers, and immunologists to integrate computational models with experimental data internally and with external partners in academia, industry, and other national laboratories
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meeting.
• Work with other scientists to write proposals and expand our program into new areas aligned with your expertise and interests

• PhD in Structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computer science, computational biology, computational physics, computational chemistry or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and structural biology techniques
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in vaccine design and immunology
• Ability to work independently on defined research projects, as well as a member of a large team. 
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Ability to travel, as necessary, to interact with sponsors, customers and collaborators
• Advanced 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.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experience in collaborating with experimental and computational biologists as well as understanding and using experimental data in combination with computational research
• Experience with computational modeling and simulation of protein structure and with other computational tools for describing or predicting biophysical properties of proteins
• Experience in developing and training machine-learning based models in high-performance computing systems. 
• Experience computing binding affinity, stability and/or other metrics using scoring functions like Rosetta
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deliver high-quality results within deadlines

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

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

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

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

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.

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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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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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