Molecular & Cellular Biology - Staff Scientist

LLNL•Livermore, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We have an opening for a Staff Scientist in Molecular & Cellular Biology / Protein Science & Assay Development to join ongoing projects developing innovative therapeutics and vaccines against infectious diseases. Candidates should have an interest in learning new skills and techniques and be able to implement them independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team. We value diverse perspectives and strongly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups. This position is in the Microbiology/Immunology group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work. This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. You will 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. Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.