Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

Join the Actinide Chemistry and Repository Science Program (ACRSP) as a postdoctoral scientist to conduct basic and applied environmental microbiological research supporting the safety case for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a deep geological repository for legacy radioactive waste. Work will be performed at offsite LANL laboratories in Carlsbad, NM, which are configured primarily for radioactive work and its support but also include resources for environmental microbiology applications.

Responsibilities

• Cultivation and characterization of microorganisms present in the repository.
• Study biodegradation of waste components by these organisms.
• Investigate interactions of microorganisms with actinides (e.g., sorption).
• Assess microbial survival and activity in high ionic strength systems.
• Focus primarily on biodegradation of cellulosic wastes by halophilic organisms at high ionic strength.

Requirements

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience with technical communication (verbal or written) in English.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research, as evidenced by dissertation, publications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe practices for technical work.

Qualifications

• PhD received within the last 5 years (or imminent awarding of said degree) in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.

Skills

• Aerobic and anaerobic cultivation of microorganisms.
• Expertise in various molecular methods (e.g., DNA/RNA purification and sequencing, PCR, protein purification).
• Bioinformatics experience (with any -omics data).
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, such as GC, HPLC, IC.
• Experience with statistical packages, such as R Studio or other.
• Prior work with radioactive materials is a plus but not required.

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to discriminate speech, sit, stand, walk, type or keyboard, and travel domestically and internationally.
• For laboratory work: ability to smell, use both hands to grip, press, push, and pull; work near electrical equipment and ionizing radiation; work with carcinogens and radioactive materials in ventilated hoods and gloveboxes; wear required safety equipment (glasses, gloves, coats, as appropriate).

Work Location

The work location for this position is onsite in Carlsbad, NM. Carlsbad is in southeastern New Mexico, approximately 300 miles from Los Alamos and 170 miles from El Paso, TX.

Benefits

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a 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).

Additional Information

Due to federal restrictions, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau), 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 supporting national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, including Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This position does not require a security clearance but selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks. Although marijuana use is legal in some states, it remains illegal under federal law, and a positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment.