Physics World · 13 hours ago
Molecular & Cellular Biology - Staff Scientist
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Staff Scientist in Molecular & Cellular Biology to develop innovative therapeutics and vaccines against infectious diseases. The role involves operating automated workflows, maintaining cell lines, and performing molecular biology techniques as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Publishing
Responsibilities
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
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
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
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
Benefits
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (•depending on project needs)
Company
Physics World
Physics World is print and digital science magazine that features the latest interviews, information, and news from the physics world.
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase