Biochemistry Post-Bachelor's Student Intern
About the Role
The Bioscience Division is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic post-baccalaureate student interested in biochemistry research and other interdisciplinary studies. This unique opportunity provides a wide variety of day-to-day responsibilities in a research environment where creativity is encouraged. The ideal student will be meticulous in their work, self-starting, independent, and able to communicate in a professional manner. The initial term of the appointment is 1 year, with the possibility to extend to a second year.
The successful candidate will work on projects utilizing specific tasks, including expression and purification of proteins (E. coli and mammalian cell culture, e.g. HEK293 and CHO cells), using automated chromatography platforms, protein crystallization, and structure solution.
LANL has an intellectually diverse environment and demands creative, innovative, and pioneering solutions. LANL is a leader in the biological sciences applied to issues of national security and was a leading institution in the response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. As a national laboratory, high priority is placed in interdisciplinary studies. LANL is multidisciplinary with expertise in chemistry, materials science, bioscience, physics, engineering, computer science, social science, and many other fields. The biological laboratories are equipped with the latest laboratory equipment, a protein expression and mass spectroscopy facility, and a suite of NMR spectrometers.
We are located in the mountains of northern New Mexico, near Santa Fe, with close access to skiing, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and a vibrant art community.
Responsibilities
- Expression and purification of proteins (E. coli and mammalian cell culture, e.g., HEK293 and CHO cells)
- Use of automated chromatography platforms
- Protein crystallization and structure solution
Requirements
- Demonstrated ability to work in a biological laboratory environment
- Basic experimental lab experience in one or both of the following areas: protein chemistry (expression, purification), and structural biology (X-ray crystallography, crystallization)
- Quantitative skills and a knowledge of methods to characterize the behavior of macromolecules
- Ability to effectively work in a team environment
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage time and see tasks to completion
- Demonstrated ability to produce quality work by applying attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in a STEM field obtained at time of hire or within the past three years. The candidate must have completed all degree requirements by commencement of the appointment and have not yet been accepted and enrolled in a graduate program.
Desired Skills
- Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn new laboratory and computational skills
- Basic knowledge of UNIX, programming skills (Python)
- Experience in basic laboratory techniques including sterile technique, centrifugation, chromatography, nucleic acid and protein electrophoresis, and molecular biology
Benefits
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
- Onsite gyms and wellness programs
- Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50-mile radius)
Work Location
The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China—including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau—as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.