Molecular Biologist - Academic Graduate Appointee

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 an Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in a high-impact program that is focused on developing the technology and experimental datasets to advance de novo antibody design a reality. You will play a key role in a multi-disciplinary team undertaking large-scale DNA library construction along with assisting with new R&D efforts. While the role will primarily be wet-lab focused, the ideal candidate will have experience or demonstrated interest in wet-lab molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis and be motivated to develop skills across both domains. Under general supervision and in accordance with established procedures, you will support experimental workflows, analyze data, and communicate results. Opportunities for increased responsibility will be available as skills and experience develop.

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

In this role you will:

• Build large scale antibody variant libraries using established molecular cloning strategies.
• Run, troubleshoot, and help develop and optimize liquid handling automation compatible workflows.
• Clone libraries into yeast and bacteria.
• Analyze NGS data using established bioinformatic pipelines to ensure library quality and coverage.
• Assist in developing, testing, and documenting bioinformatic workflows for data analysis. Assemble reports summarizing key findings.
• Present results to team members and collaborators.
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations, and, as appropriate, peer-reviewed publications.
• Work in a fast-paced interdisciplinary team supporting research in computational protein design.

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.
• BS in Biology, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with standard wet-lab techniques, such as bacterial transformation, DNA purification, culturing of microorganisms, and aseptic technique.
• Experience with molecular cloning technology such as PCR, plasmid vector construction, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, and ligation.
• Ability to follow established molecular-cloning workflows and troubleshoot routine issues with guidance.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively communicate technical information.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of team members.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with NGS analysis and bioinformatic workflows.
• Experience with scripting in Python, C++, R, and/or Bash.
• Experience using version control systems such as Git and coding agents (e.g., Claude Code).
• Experience with workflow management tools (e.g., Nextflow, SnakeMake).
• Laboratory automation with liquid handling robotics.

Pay Range

$6,748 - $7,718 Monthly 

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

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

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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.

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