What You Will Do

The Bioscience Division is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic graduate 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 term of the appointment is eight weeks up to 1 year, with the possibility to extend a second year.

A successful candidate will work on projects utilizing specific tasks, including expression and purification of proteins, using automated chromatography platforms, protein crystallization, and structure solution. The ideal candidate will have experience in basic laboratory techniques including sterile technique, centrifugation, pipetting, chromatography, nucleic acid and protein electrophoresis, and molecular biology.

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.

What You Need

Minimum Job 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

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn new laboratory and computational skills

• Basic knowledge of UNIX, programming skills (Python)

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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..

Where You Will Work

Located in Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. Our generous benefits package includes:

• 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.

Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.

Instructions on How to Activate/Create a LANL Jobs Account:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

• Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.