Host-Microbe Metabolic Interactions - Postdoctoral Researcher

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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

$118,884 Annually

Note: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on host-microbe metabolic interactions and exchange in microalgae and perennial grasses. This DOE funded project centered at LLNL supports a multi-institution research program (https://bio-sfa.llnl.gov), which is focused on sustainable and predictable bioenergy crop production. We use a community systems biology approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of the systems level resource allocation consequences of microscale symbioses between microbes and bioenergy-relevant crops. The Postdoc will be a member of the Microbial Systems Biology Group in the Biosciences & Biotechnology Division of LLNL. Primary analytical resources include a high-throughput stable isotope probing pipeline, Cameca NanoSIMS 50 and NanoSIMS XR, other advanced microscopes, high performance computing, NMR facility, LC-MS/MS instrumentation, and active collaborations with external organizations such as U Minnesota, Oregon State, UC Berkeley, NC State, U Illinois, JGI, and EMSL.

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

You will 

• Develop and pursue innovative research to characterize the exchange of metabolites between microbes and symbiotic hosts using stable isotope probing (SIP) integrated with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), high resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), and metagenomics, metatranscriptomics or metaproteomics molecular analysis.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to address questions in sustainable bioenergy, microbial ecology, and host-microbe interactions.
• Work within a large team of scientists from multiple institutions towards common goals.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals.
• Organize, analyze, and present data from research at seminars, technical meetings, national and international conferences. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.
• PhD in biology, microbial ecology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in microbial ecology research through controlled laboratory experiments or complex community manipulations.
• Publication record in the peer-reviewed literature reflecting intellectual leadership and scientific creativity.
• Demonstrated ability as an independent and innovative experimentalist.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Expertise in GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, NMR, AMS, or other analytical instrumentation.
• Experience with stable isotope probing techniques (e.g., SIP).
• Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analyses of metabolic pathways, functional gene patterns and microbial community assembly.
• Experience analyzing ‘omics datasets (metagenome, metatranscriptome, metaproteome, or metabolomics).
• Experience collaborating with computational modelers (e.g. metabolic or trait-based modeling).

#LI-Onsite

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 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.

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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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