Computational Biophysicist - Research Scientist

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Computational Biophysicist to conduct research in antibody-antigen modeling and simulation, specifically with expertise in software development, molecular dynamics simulations, and analysis. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team working with other national laboratories and companies. You will be responsible for developing new software algorithms, writing code, understanding the requirements for each simulation scale, and creating innovative analysis tools. You will work with a team of computational biologists, physicists, and material scientists and experimental biologist and computer scientists to create a novel machine-learned capability to design antibodies able to bind novel antigens. This position is in the Biochemical and Biophysical Systems group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.

In this role you will:

• Conduct advanced independent research to create a novel high performance computing capability in creating and calculating antibody-antigens interactions.
• Contribute to the software development for rapid calculations of binding free-energies between antibodies-antigens.
• Perform and automate high throughput molecular dynamics simulations to predict protein-protein binding.
• Develop new analytics to analyze results from complex simulations.
• Develop collaborations 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 at corporate meetings.
• Develop new and innovative research methods relevant to the needs of Laboratory programs and/or external funding agencies and Interact with senior project staff and management to influence programmatic decisions
• Write proposals, secure funding, and establish independent research projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in computer science, computational biology, computational physics or computational chemistry or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience in a broad spectrum of R&D in antibody-antigen simulations and machine learning.
• Significant experience at the postdoctoral or higher level in the field of molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning, and statistical mechanics.
• Ability to work independently on defined research projects, as well as a member of a team.
• Advanced computer skills including programming experience with perl, python, or C in a UNIX environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of molecular modeling and simulations.
• Ability to travel, as necessary, to interact with sponsors, customers and collaborators.
• Advanced written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deliver presentations, prepare written reports and to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.

Qualifications We Desire:

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

Additional Information

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years. If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site.

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.) For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing candidates and employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We value and hire a diverse workforce as it is a vital component of our culture and success. 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.

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

Reasonable Accommodation

At LLNL, 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 submit a request via our online form.

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.