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Postdoctoral Research Associate at the interface of cryo-EM and AI at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$97,000–$114,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine, Biophysics, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Data Collection, Data Processing, Data Sets, Dental Insurance, Embedded Systems, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Insurance, Laboratory, Machine Learning, Open Source, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Protein Purification, Publications, Quality Assurance Methodology, Team Player, Test Design, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Los Alamos, NM
POSTED
30+ days ago
What You Will Do

Are you excited by the idea of using cryo-EM and AI side-by-side to crack open the next generation of structural biology problems?

We are looking for a hands-on experimental cryo-EM scientist to join an interdisciplinary team at the interface of cryo-EM, machine learning, and biomedical discovery. This position offers a rare opportunity to both solve groundbreaking structures and co-develop state-of-the-art AI models that learn directly from experimental data.

In this role, you will:
  • Design and execute cutting-edge cryo-EM experiments from sample preparation through data collection.
  • Drive data processing and 3D reconstruction, working closely with AI scientists to push resolution and interpretability.
  • Help design and test new AI methods that accelerate structure determination and reveal dynamic conformational landscapes.
  • Work with exascale-class high-performance computing resources and modern GPU clusters to turn massive datasets into biological insight.
  • You'll be embedded in a team that brings together structural biology, physics, computation, and AI.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Experience in performing cryo-EM experiments
  • Experience in protein purification
  • Experience in RNA biochemistry
  • Demonstrated scientific productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, open-source tools)
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines

Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, or a related field completed within the last five years or expected soon

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in sample preparation and grid optimization
  • Experience with structural modeling
  • Commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research
  • Familiarity AI/ML frameworks


Work Environment:
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.
Salary & Benefits
  • Salary range: $97,000 - $114,000, commensurate with experience
  • Excellent benefits package including health, dental, and retirement options

Note to Applicants:

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.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. 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 maternity and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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. 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.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

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.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 federal 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 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.

About the Company

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Los Alamos National Laboratory