Synthetic Biology - Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay

$118,884 Annually

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

We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking postdoctoral researcher to conduct research in the field of synthetic biology for biocontainment and sustained engineered function of genetically modified microorganisms. You will actively participate in research to develop robust, bio-contained, engineered functions in environmentally relevant microbes and microbial communities, including building and screening libraries of genetic circuits and/or redesigned proteins parts. This position is in the Microbial systems or Synthetic biology group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

You will

• Perform research to engineer synthetic microbial communities for robust function.
• Conduct fundamental research in microbial interactions, host-microbe interactions, and/or microbial interactions under environmental conditions.
• Develop high throughput approaches to assay the functionality of microbial communities, microbiome fitness, and/or output.
• Develop synthetic biology tools in non-model microorganisms and characterize efficacy in test beds of increasing complexity.
• Develop research plans, generate results, and publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Work with other scientists to write proposals and expand our program into new areas aligned with your expertise and interests.
• Write reports to funding agencies and participate in scientific conferences.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meeting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a relevant field with a strong emphasis in synthetic biology, microbiology, and molecular genetics.
• Expertise and knowledge in microbial genetics and physiology
• Experience in microbial (community) engineering for environmental function. This may include design, assembly, and modeling of microbial communities in vitro or in situ.
• Experience with high throughput screening/selection methods.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with isolation and characterization of microbial communities and microbiomes
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) execution and/or analysis
• Experience with gene editing in non-model organisms.
• Experience with microbial systems involved in cell-cell interactions (e.g., two component systems, quorum sensing systems, bacterial antagonism, bacterial cross-feeding)
• Experience with synthetic microbial communities for bioproduction or environmental application
• Experience in genome and metagenome-wide association approaches to identify genes or systems involved in microbial processes.

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 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our core beliefs - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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.)

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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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.

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