Postdoctoral Research Associate

What You Will Do

Join the Actinide Chemistry and Repository Science Program (ACRSP) as a postdoctoral scientist to conduct basic and applied environmental microbiological research to support the safety case for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) deep geological repository for legacy radioactive waste.

As a member of the ACRSP team, you will work at offsite LANL laboratories located in Carlsbad, NM. These laboratories are configured primarily for radioactive work and its support but also have resources for environmental microbiology applications. Work may include cultivation and characterization of microorganisms present in the repository, biodegradation of waste components by said organisms, interactions of microorganisms with actinides (e.g., sorption), and microbial survival and activity in high ionic strength systems.

Work will primarily focus on the biodegradation of cellulosic wastes by halophilic organisms at high ionic strength.

• Cover letter clearly addressing all Minimum Job Requirements and all Desired Qualifications listed below (maximum 2 pages)
• Current CV including publications
• Optional:
  Summary of your relevant research projects. Figures, tables, and/or schemes are encouraged (maximum 3 pages)

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated experience with technical communication (verbal or written) in English
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, as evidenced by dissertation, publications, technical reports, and presentations
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe practices for technical work

Education/

Experience:

Candidates must have received PhD within the last 5 years (or imminent awarding of said degree) in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field

• Aerobic and anaerobic cultivation of microorganisms
• Expertise in various molecular methods (e.g., DNA/RNA purification and sequencing, PCR, protein purification)
• Bioinformatics experience (with any
  -omics data)
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, such as GC, HPLC, IC
• Experience with statistical packages, such as R Studio or other
• Prior work with radioactive materials is a plus but not required

Ability to discriminate speech, sit, stand, walk, type or keyboard, and go on domestic and foreign travel. For the laboratory: ability to smell, use both hands to grip, press, push and pull; work near electrical equipment and ionizing radiation; work with carcinogens and radioactive materials in ventilated hoods and glove boxes; and wear required safety equipment (glasses, gloves, coats, as appropriate.)

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Carlsbad, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

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.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. 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)

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.

Position does not require a security…