Molecular & Cellular Biology - Staff Scientist

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory • Full-time • Livermore, CA, US • $82.94k - $185.54k / year • 3d ago

Company Description

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 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

$82,944 - $154,500 annually for an SES.1

$99,648 - $185,544 annually for an SES.2

Job Description

We have an opening for a Staff Scientist in Molecular & Cellular Biology / Protein Science & Assay Development to join ongoing projects developing innovative therapeutics and vaccines against infectious diseases. Candidates should have an interest in learning new skills and techniques and be able to implement them independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team. We value diverse perspectives and strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups. This position is in the Microbiology/Immunology group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

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

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

Operate and support automated and high-throughput workflows, including plate-based assay systems.
Maintain mammalian cell lines and cell culture equipment for assay development.
Express and purify proteins to generate reagents for functional, biochemical, and immunological studies.
Perform standard molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA preparation, DNA/protein quantification, SDS-PAGE).
Assist in the development and optimization of immunoassays and affinity assessment methods, including BLI, ELISA, and fluorescence-based platforms.
Evaluate datasets generated from high-throughput assays and troubleshoot experimental workflows as needed.
Contribute to the maintenance of a BSL-2 laboratory, including ordering, equipment upkeep, inventory control, and ES&H safety guideline implementation.
Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and communicate results with relevant team members.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Responsibilities, At The SES.2 Level

Develop and optimize immunoassays and affinity assessment methods, including SPR, BLI, ELISA, and fluorescence-based platforms (e.g., MSD, Gyrolab, AlphaLISA).
Provide solutions to problems of limited complexity that require creative use of established and/or innovative methods.
Analyze existing workflow procedures in comparison to the literature and provide suggestions to improve efficiency, robustness, and overall performance.
Provide occasional training on laboratory procedures to other employees or contribute to cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
BS degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Fundamental knowledge of sterile techniques, culturing and maintenance of microbiological and tissue cultures, and media preparation.
Fundamental knowledge of molecular biology techniques (e.g., ELISA, microscopy, protein purification, SDS PAGE, BLI).
Familiarity with common Microsoft Office applications and other scientific software.
Ability to learn and apply new concepts with guidance; performs tasks accurately within a general and stable environment, following established guidelines and procedures.
Works effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment both independently and as a team with a diverse set of scientists, and other technical and administrative staff.
Foundational problem-solving skills to implement solutions of limited complexity.
Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional Qualifications At The SES.2 Level

MS degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related filed, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Comprehensive experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., ELISA, microscopy, protein purification, SDS PAGE, BLI).
Proficient experience in culture and maintenance of cell and tissue cultures.

Qualifications We Desire

Working knowledge of protein purification, protein characterization methods, and sample-preparation workflows.
Academic and/or industry laboratory research experience.
Knowledge of applied biostatistics and proficient with statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism or R).
Experience in fluorescence microscopy, automation, or other high-throughput instrumentation, including flow cytometry and platereader based assays.

Additional Information

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

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.

How To Identify Fake Job Advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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.

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.

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