Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a highly motivated
Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in protein binding sites and small molecule drug discovery with expertise in molecular modeling and simulations of biological systems and machine learning. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team working with computational chemists, and experimental chemists and computer scientists. You will be responsible for investigating the molecular recognition between small molecule and protein binding sites and creating new machine learning methods to make these predictions. You will present your work regularly and publish your research and findings, which includes occasional domestic travel. This position is in the Biochemical and Biophysical Systems group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.
NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years.
You will
- Conduct advanced independent research to investigate the mechanism small molecule binding into protein binding sites.
- Perform and automate high throughput co-complexation to predict the strength of binding.
- Develop new analytics to analyze results from complex biology experiments and simulations.
- Work with external partners (Universities, Industry, other National Laboratories) to advance computational biology simulation efforts.
- Prepare complex and detailed weekly progress reports to support project needs and deadlines.
- Prepare complex written analyses and verbal briefings, and present research results to sponsors.
- 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, which requires travel.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- 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 computational biology, computational physics, computer science, or computational chemistry or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Knowledge and experience in protein function prediction, protein-ligand binding, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning.
- Ability to work independently on defined research projects, as well as a member of a team with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.
- Computer skills including programming experience with Perl, Python, or C++, preferably 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 collaborators.
Qualifications We Desire
- Experience in collaborating with experimental biologists.
- Experience in automated analysis and data visualization.
Pay
$118,884 Annually
Additional Information
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 2026 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.
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.
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.
