Computational Chemist - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in collaborating with experimental biologists.
• Experience in automated analysis and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees