Microfluidics and High-Throughput Screening - Postdoctoral Researcher

Key Skills

C Programming, C++, Effective communication skills, Machine learning techniques, MATLAB Programming, Python Programming, Writing

Job Description

We have an opening for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team to develop novel ultra-high-throughput screening technologies. You will apply skills of miniaturizing biological assays for characterizing display libraries to mapping genotype-phenotype landscapes to inform machine learning models of biological systems. Beyond this remit, you will assist in building out complementary skills from team members and applying the technology developed to new applications of interest. You will be embedded within an interdisciplinary group with expertise spanning microfabrication, molecular biology, and machine learning and should be excited about working with, and learning from, a diverse team. Highly motivated, self-driven scientists and engineers interested in working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and team-driven environment are encouraged to apply. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate.

You will

• Develop and optimize microfluidic droplet-based fluorescence assays for characterizing display libraries.
• Interface with microfabrication engineers to troubleshoot and iterate on microfluidic chip designs.
• Prototype new designs and propose design modifications, with respect to changes in hardware, software, and/or biological assay, in a rapid-learning cycle environment.
• Work with molecular biologists and next generation sequencing (NGS) scientists to troubleshoot assays to ensure they work successfully in a droplet-based context.
• Work collaboratively with other scientists, engineers, and research teams to integrate and apply display technologies to enhance drug discovery efforts.
• Document experimental data and results, and present findings to internal teams and external partners.
• Present work at national and international scientific conferences.
• Author scientific publications and patent applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in miniaturizing biological assays in microfluidic devices, with a special desire for experience in droplet-based methods.
• Knowledge of and experience with microfluidic device troubleshooting.
• Experience with fluorescent-based assays and a working knowledge of fluorescence microscopy.
• Knowledge of various in vivo and in vitro methods commonly used to screen large variant libraries.
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers from diverse fields, including computational and experimental biologists, and provide scientific guidance, support, and leadership as needed.
• Ability to work under tight timelines, with possibly aggressive milestone deliverables.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and time management skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Experience in technical achievement, as evidenced by publications in high-impact scientific journals and the demonstrated ability to conduct creative, independent research.

Qualifications We Desire

• Strong data analytic skills, both in programming and quantitative methods, and how to apply them to characterizing high-throughput data.
• Familiarity with NGS-based approaches for variant library characterization.
• Familiarity with bead-based DNA barcoding strategies (e.g., scRNA-seq, drop-seq). Experience building out custom solutions strongly preferred.
• Hardware control, real-time signal processing, and optomechanical expertise.
• Experience in microfluidic design and fabrication, especially in soft lithography.
• Experience in creating custom software and hardware interfaces for microfluidic control and detection.
• Fundamental understanding of programming languages and software suites (e.g., Python, C/C++, MATLAB), with a focus on their use in instrument control and data analysis.

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 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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. (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.