Academic Graduate Appointee - Translational Immunology

Company Description

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 Range

$5,740 - $9,100 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.

Job Description

NOTE: This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee with the possibility of extension to a maximum of two years. For important information about LLNL appointments refer to the FAQs above.

We have up an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee participating in developing novel approaches and platforms in support of synthetic biology. The project emphasis’s cell-free protein production methodologies and synthetic receptor development. The candidate will work in a highly integrated environment as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop, optimize, characterize, and validate cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) receptors for characterization using electrophysiology as well as other biophysics techniques. Proteins will be used for high throughput functional and biophysical characterization in support of mechanistic studies. This position is in the Biology and Biotechnology Division, Translational Immunology Group. If you're passionate about working at the cutting edge of biotechnology and synthetic biology, and want to contribute to impactful translational research, we encourage you to apply.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Produce, characterize, and test CFPS lysates.
• Design, perform, and analyze cell-free protein expression experiments to test and develop protocols and procedures to produce and characterize novel membrane bound proteins.
• Contribute to the design of and carry out experiments involving molecular biology techniques including biochemical tests using fluorescence-based techniques to characterize proteins of interest.
• Troubleshoot initial results and perform protein assay development using molecular biochemical techniques as needed.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook and maintain complete records of experiments and contribute to general lab maintenance.
• Compile data and protocols in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Powerpoint).
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Perform duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• B.S. in biological sciences or equivalent course work (within two years of application).
• Experience working with gel electrophoresis, western blot, and other common molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with aseptic technique, microbial cultures, and protein purification.
• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills to effectively work in a team environment with a diverse technical staff.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow standard laboratory protocols and ES&H safety procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Tools (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as well as Teams applications.

Qualifications We Desire

• Design of genes and constructs for molecular cloning using PCR, restriction enzymes, plasmids, and bacteria
• Experience with DNA extraction including minipreps, maxipreps, gel extraction, and PCR purification.
• Familiarity with cell-free protein production approaches.
• Exposure to electrophysiology instrumentation and analysis software.
• Experience handling and purifying membrane proteins.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

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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