Microbial Genetics​/Synthetic Biology - Academic Graduate Appointee

Microbial Genetics/Synthetic Biology - Academic Graduate Appointee

Entry Level | Full-time
Physical Life Sciences | Livermore, CA | 07/30/2026
Reference #: REF
8625V
Job Code: 710.0 Academic Graduate Appointee Ex
Organization: Physical and Life Sciences
Position Type: Academic Graduate Appointee
Security Clearance: None, but work must be performed by a U.S. person (e.g., U.S. citizen or permanent resident and certain others). Also, assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation.
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in research in the field of microbial genetics and synthetic biology. You will work as part of a team of scientists conducting research to study protein compartmentalization systems and develop new genetic tools for Rhodococcus species. This position is in the Microbial Systems Biology Group within the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will:

• Perform molecular biology workflows using established protocols.
• Perform microbiology tasks, including growth and maintenance of bacterial cultures under sterile conditions, preparation of chemically competent bacterial cells, and transformations
• Generate mutations in bacteria and test phenotypes using a variety of assays (e.g., growth assays, microscopy, etc.).
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks, sample records, and experimental documentation.
• Present results in team meetings and contribute to written reports, presentations, and for literature reviews.
• Communicate with mentors, advisors, and other scientists to address research challenges.
• Learn and apply established laboratory methods, data collection practices, and safe work procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• B.S. or M.S. in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience and/or knowledge with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with bacterial culture methods and sterile technique.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to present and explain research results.
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with attention to detail and increasing independence under guidance.
• Ability to follow standard laboratory protocols and ES&H safety procedures.
• Experience with microbial genetics or synthetic biology research.
• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology methods, including microbial cell culture, DNA amplification or extraction, molecular cloning, and bacterial transformation.
• Familiarity with plasmid and gDNA extraction methods.
• Experience culturing and working with non-model bacteria
• Experience with gram-positive bacteria.
• Experience with spectrophotometric assays using a plate reader.
• Exposure to data analysis or basic bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with MS Office applications (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

$6,748 - $7,718 Monthly

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

#LI-Onsite

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

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

• Included in 2026
  
  Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (
  * depending on project needs)

None required. However, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).

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.)

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.

Per the Department…