Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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 committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

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

We have an opening for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to study the behavior of integral membrane proteins (such as GPCRs) within a complex lipid environment using molecular dynamics simulations of various resolutions (coarse-grained and atomistic). You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team working with experimental biophysicists, biologists, and computer scientists to determine how different membrane environments can influence aspects of protein behavior. This research will focus investigating simulation campaigns primarily using coarse-grained models.  Advanced, automated, and specific analysis of the lipid behavior, and the protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions will be required. You will present your work regularly and at national meetings and publish your research and findings. This position is in the Biochemical and Biophysical Systems group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will

• Conduct advanced independent research to study interactions between membrane proteins and lipid bilayers, and their influence on one another.
• Create models of a variety of membrane proteins in different states.
• Perform and automate high throughput molecular dynamics simulations to assess protein/lipid interactions and dependencies.
• Develop new analytics to analyze results from simulations in an automated fashion.
• Work with both internal and external partners (Universities, Industry, other National Laboratories) to integrate computational biology simulations efforts with experimental studies.
• Develop new and innovative research methods relevant to the needs of Laboratory programs and/or external funding agencies.
• Contribute to proposals and statements of work.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned, and travel as needed.

• PhD in computer science, computational biology, computational physics or computational chemistry or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Knowledge and experience in coarse-grained membrane protein simulations, preferably with specific emphasis on complex lipid mixtures.
• Ability to work independently on defined research projects, as well as a member of a team.  
• Proven publication record in the field of molecular modeling and simulations.
• Programming experience with python, or C++ in a UNIX environment.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Ability to travel, as necessary, to interact with sponsors, customers and collaborators.
• Proficient written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports and to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in collaborating with experimental biologists.
• Experience in machine learning.
• Experience in automated analysis and data visualization.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.  Eligible candidates are those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site . 

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.)  For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2 (link is external) . 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing candidates and employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We value and hire a diverse workforce as it is a vital component of our culture and success. 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.

LLNL invites you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law (link is external) and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (link is external) .

Reasonable Accommodation

At LLNL, 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 submit a request via our online form . 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .