Job Description

Posting Duration: 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. COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate: Sandia demonstrates its commitment to public safety in the national interest by requiring that all new hires be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before commencing employment. The requirement also applies to those who are telecommuting and working virtually. Any concerns about the ability to meet this requirement should be directed to HR Solutions at (505) 284-4700. What Your Job Will Be Like: Are you looking to do creative research that addresses major challenges such as climate change and energy security? Sandia/California’s System Biology Department is seeking a dedicated and motivated molecular biology postdoctoral appointee to join a multidisciplinary team. You will use microbiology, molecular biology and omics methods to investigate factors that affect growth of algae under laboratory and production conditions. They will have the opportunity to be on the forefront of experimental and computational approaches to optimize algae as a sustainable and clean source of biomaterials/bioenergy for the future. On any given day, you may be called on to: + Generate and analyze large gene expression data sets from algal cultures and develop improved methods for translating improved algal strain properties from the laboratory to the field + Work at Sandia's Livermore campus and interact with a multidisciplinary project team, including scientists across multiple national labs and universities The Postdoctoral Appointee works onsite in California. The salary is set for this position at $99,000 annually. Qualifications We Require: + PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field + Familiarity through academic training or active research with experimental and computational genomics + Proven record of high technical accomplishment and written communication (e.g. as evidenced by publication in high-impact scientific journals) and strong verbal communication and data presentation skills (e.g., as demonstrated through scientific conference presentations) Qualifications We Desire: + A strong background in microbiology, particularly algal biology and microbial communities + Programming knowledge, including scripting in a widely-used language (eg. Python, R) and usage of the command line + Knowledge of sequencing technologies (RNA-sequencing, DNA sequencing) + Molecular Biology/ Synthetic Biology skills (cloning, plasmid design, etc.) + Bioinformatics skills and familiarity with related software tools for transciptomics analysis About Our Team: The Systems Biology Department, located in Livermore, California, is a diverse research group with a focus on both basic and applied biological research. We seek to address problems with strong ties to national security, including biodefense and health security, and climate and energy security. We do this using innovative research approaches in microbiology, virology, synthetic biology, immunology, and bioinformatics, incorporating advanced technology development including CRISPR/Cas technologies, advanced ‘omics, and advanced materials and nanotechnology. We also seek to develop the knowledge and technologies needed to produce clean, efficient, and cost-effective biofuels and other bioproducts on a commercial scale. Our department is part of the highly multidisciplinary Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group, comprised of researchers with expertise in many disciplines of biology (molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, and biochemistry), chemistry (analytical, organic, and physical), computational science (bioinformatics, machine learning, and computational chemistry), and engineering (chemical, mechanical, and biomedical).

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 vacations, 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://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance:

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted. Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date. EEO: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law. Job ID: 685115