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 diverse perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

Job Description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on algae-microbe metabolic interactions and symbiosis using microbial physiology, meta-omics and isotope tracing techniques. The goal of the project is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the systems level resource allocation consequences of microscale symbioses between microbes and bioenergy-relevant algal crops. This position is in the Environmental Isotope Systems Group in the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

You will

Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to address questions in sustainable bioenergy, microbial ecology, and host-microbe interactions.Conduct experiments with heterotrophic microbes (bacteria, archaea, fungi) in symbiotic relationships with algae.Characterize the mechanisms of metabolic exchange and chemical warfare between microbes and algae using physiological measurements, genomic techniques, and advanced imaging including nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS).Perform sample and data analysis and interpret results.Document research, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications PhD in biology, microbial ecology, microbiology, oceanography, chemistry, or a related field.Strong understanding of microbial and/or algal metabolism.Experience with microbial cultivation (microalgae or macroalgae, fungi, bacteria, and/or archaea).Ability to perform independent research and use a scientific approach to solve problems.Effective ability to collaborate with a team of scientists of diverse backgrounds.Ability to travel to coordinate research with collaborators.Proficient verbal and written communication skills.Publication record in peer reviewed journals.

Qualifications We Desire

Experience in microbial interaction research through controlled laboratory experiments or complex community manipulations.Experience in analysis of 16S rRNA community data and/or metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, or other analytical methods (e.g. high resolution microscopy).Familiarity with isotope tracing methods (DNA-SIP or SIP-nanoSIMS) or computational methods (biogeochemical models, metabolic modeling). Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

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!Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible schedules (*depending on project needs)Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

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