Neurobiology/Molecular biology - 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 dedicated and hardworking Postdoctoral Researcher with experience in Neurobiology, cellular/molecular biology and bioengineered systems. In this position, you will work on a multidisciplinary team to develop and test in vitro neural bioengineered systems for neurotoxicology applications. This position is in the Human and Health Sciences Group in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

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

You will 

• Design and conduct in vitro experiments studying the central nervous system, blood-brain barrier, and other neuronal systems using both human and rodent cell sources in bioengineered systems.
• Perform innovative research in the area of organ-on-chip systems of the human blood-brain barrier/brain.
• Employ cellular and molecular characterization on 2D and 3D cell constructs using electrophysiology, RNA sequencing, immunostaining, etc.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Present formal and informal overviews of experimental progress at regular meetings.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Maintain and establish laboratory protocols, an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook including complete records of experiments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
• Expertise in working with in vitro models of the nervous system.
• Proficiency in animal handling, primary cell isolation and sample processing for cell culture and cellular and molecular analyses.
• Experience in electrophysiology measurements and data analysis.
• Proficiency with one or more cellular/molecular characterization techniques, such as flow cytometry, immunostaining, sequencing, etc.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• 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

• Experience with integrating multiple cell types of the nervous system with bioengineered systems.
• Experience with microfabrication techniques and microfluidics.
• Experience with viral infection of mammalian cells.

#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

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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.

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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. 

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