Postdoctoral Appointee - Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Generative AI, Onsite
About Sandia:
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting‑edge work in a broad array of areas.
Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co‑workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten‑hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov
* These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like:We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher (job title: Postdoctoral Appointee) to join our groundbreaking project focused on leveraging Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to predict and enhance the design of biological systems, using phages as a test bed. This innovative research aims to harness AI to identify trends in complex biological data, generate new hypotheses, and streamline empirical studies, while rigorously testing the predictive power of GenAI in forecasting viable genetic modifications, evolutionary trajectories, and the potential for expanding host ranges.
This position also provides opportunities for professional development, including participation in conferences and workshops, as well as potential collaborations with academic institutions. If you are eager to push the boundaries of biological design and contribute to impactful research, we encourage you to apply and be part of this exciting journey toward the future of biotechnology.
- Perform bioinformatic analyses of viral and bacterial genome sequences
- Analyze viral genomic sequence data using generative AI and machine learning techniques to predict viable genetic modifications
- Maintain and manipulate phage and other viral cultures
- Perform molecular biology techniques, including qPCR, cloning, and site‑directed mutagenesis
- Participate in laboratory management and mentor student interns
- Analyze data and prepare manuscripts for publication in high‑impact peer reviewed scientific journals
- Present at project meetings and conferences
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
Qualifications We Require:- Ph.D. in molecular biology, microbiology, virology, bioinformatics, or other relevant, related field
- Proven record of technical accomplishment and strong communication skills, as demonstrated by publications in peer‑reviewed journals and/or presentations of research findings at scientific conferences
- Ability to obtain and maintain DOE L security clearance
- Record of publication and presentation of research findings at the intersection of AI and biology
- Strong sense of professionalism, cooperative attitude, and ability to work effectively within a team
- Experience working with phage or other viruses
- Experience with forward and reverse genetics and site‑directed mutagenesis techniques, as well as cloning complex constructs and maintaining mutant libraries
- Experience using generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, and bioinformatics
- Proficiency in quantitative PCR (qPCR)
- Familiarity with Alpha Fold or similar tools to assist in rational and predictive synthetic biology
The Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group at Sandia National Laboratories is a diverse research group with work encompassing both basic and applied biological research. Our scientists conduct research in cell biology, immunology, microbiology, metabolic engineering, biophysics, biochemistry, and chemistry, and we seek to address problems with strong ties…
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