Postdoctoral Appointee - Microbiology​/Molecular Biology, Onsite

About Sandia:

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co‑workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World‑changing technologies. Life‑changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher (job title: Postdoctoral Appointee) to join our innovative project focused on developing novel genome editors from phage integrases. This cutting‑edge research aims to enhance the precision and safety of genome editing technologies by creating tools with user‑determined/controlled activity. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology with potential applications in biomanufacturing, therapeutic interventions, and biosecurity measures.

It also provides opportunities for professional development, including participation in conferences and workshops, as well as potential collaborations with academic institutions.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Perform molecular biology techniques, including qPCR and cloning of complex and/or recalcitrant constructs.
• Maintain and manipulate bacterial and viral (phage) cultures.
• Analyze and interpret bacterial and viral genomic sequence data.
• Design synthetic biology constructs.
• Participate in laboratory management and mentoring student interns.
• Present at project meetings and conferences.
• Prepare data and manuscripts for publication in high‑impact peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• Ph.D. in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or other relevant, related field
• Proven record of technical accomplishments and strong written and verbal communication skills, as demonstrated by publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L security clearance

• Extensive experience with cloning complex and recalcitrant constructs, particularly using Golden Gate cloning techniques
• Proficiency in quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Strong sense of professionalism, cooperative attitude, and ability to work effectively within a team
• Experience working with phage, genome editors, and thermophilic microorganisms
• Bioinformatics skills

The Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group at Sandia National Laboratories is a diverse research group with work encompassing both basic and applied biological research. Our scientists conduct research in cell biology, immunology, microbiology, metabolic engineering, biophysics, biochemistry, and chemistry, and we seek to address problems with strong ties to national security. Our mission spaces include biodefense and health security, environmental impacts, the circular bioeconomy, and energy security.

We conduct research for the Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, U.S. industries, and Sandia's Laboratory Directed Research & Development program.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.