Physics and Chemistry of Materials Post-Bachelor Student

What You Will Do

The Physics and Chemistry of Materials Group (T-1) in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division is seeking a post-bachelor student to contribute to research in computational biology and AI-enabled medical countermeasure development. The selected candidate will support the development and evaluation of computational approaches for modeling toxin-protein interactions. This work will integrate protein sequence, molecular structure, and experimental data to improve interaction and binding-site predictions.

Responsibilities may include:

• Curating, processing, and analyzing protein sequence and structural datasets.
• Applying AI/ML, protein language models, and structure-prediction methods to investigate molecular
• interactions and binding interfaces.
• Developing reproducible, end-to-end workflows that integrate sequence- and structure-based predictions.
• Evaluating model performance and comparing computational predictions with available structural and
• experimental evidence.
• Working collaboratively with computational and experimental researchers.
• Documenting methods and communicating results through technical reports and presentations.

T-1 conducts multidisciplinary theoretical and computational research spanning physics, chemistry, materials science, computational biology, and scientific machine learning in support of LANL's national security missions.

Minimum

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge of computational biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related area.
• Understanding of protein structure, function, or molecular interactions.
• Experience with scientific programming, preferably Python.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflows for biological applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education/

Experience:

A bachelor's degree, or a degree expected to be awarded before the position begins, from an accredited program in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, data science, computer science, physics, engineering, or a related field

Desired

Qualifications:

• Experience with Alpha Fold, ESM, or related protein-modeling tools.
• Experience with PyMOL, Chimera, or similar molecular-visualization software.
• Familiarity with protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction modeling.
• Experience with Git, Linux, high-performance computing, or automated scientific workflows.
• Laboratory experience in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related area.
• Interest in connecting computational predictions with experimental validation

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

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 include:

• 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)

Directive 206.2 - 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.

To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was…