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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioinformatics

CHEManager International, Los Alamos, NM, United States


Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Bioinformatics

Location
Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization
B-TEK / Biochemistry & Biotechnology

What You Will Do
The Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) in the Bioscience Division is seeking candidates interested in utilizing and developing proteomics, metabolomics, and/or lipidomics pipelines to deeply characterize a variety of sample types, coupled with bioinformatics utilizing data generated from high‑resolution platforms. Candidates skilled in handling large‑scale proteomics, metabolomics, or lipidomics data are encouraged to apply. Candidates should be able to process data both quantitatively and qualitatively, and ideally have experience developing targeted, quantitative workflows. Experience implementing quality control standards for metabolomics is desired, including the use of reference, quantitative, process control, and system performance standards. An ideal candidate will be able to work independently, supporting multiple projects that have a National Security application. This includes, but is not limited to, developing sample preparation workflows for biofluids (saliva, urine, and/or blood), developing targeted methods for monitoring select biomarker panels (proteins and small molecules), and characterizing the in‑vitro molecular response following exposure to toxicants of concern. Applicants will have access to state‑of‑the‑art high‑resolution mass spectrometers, including multiple Orbitrap platforms, and high‑performance computing resources. You will be expected to publish results in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals and present your work at conferences. Los Alamos National Laboratory is a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment and we expect our Postdoctoral Research Associates to exhibit this same esprit de corps.

Minimum Job Requirements

Well‑established record of publications in peer‑reviewed journals

Communication skills evidenced by reports, publications, and oral presentations at conferences

Demonstrated experience using bioinformatics tools and developing computational workflows

Experience working with high‑dimensional and complex datasets

Fundamental understanding of mass spectrometry with a focus on ‑omics and their pipelines

Hands‑on experience in regards to sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis

Ability to obtain a Q clearance, which requires US Citizenship

Desired Qualifications

Experience handling/processing a wide range of proteomic/metabolomic data such as DDA, DIA, de‑novo, top‑down, etc., including data from large‑scale studies

Experience developing quantitative methods for small molecule and protein analysis

Ability to implement elements of quality control to account for background, extraction efficiency, quantitative precision, reproducible liquid chromatography separations, and standards/sample pools for feature identification

Ability to build in‑house metabolite libraries and utilize publicly available resources (e.g., NIST and/or MzCloud)

Familiarity applying machine learning and statistics to develop robust biomarker panels

Familiarity with harmonizing different ‑omics data sets for pathway analysis and correlative studies

Knowledge of mass spectrometry ‑omics for biomarker discovery using proteomics, metabolomics, and/or lipidomics

Experience with the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various mass spectrometers, including Thermo Fisher Orbitrap platforms

Familiarity using software packages such as Proteome Discoverer, Compound Discoverer, or Tracefinder

Strong background in multivariate statistical analysis and predictive modeling

Proficiency in data visualization and communicating analytical results

Experience conducting network analysis (e.g., relational or graph‑based data)

Expertise in machine learning and software development

Demonstrated ability to translate analytical findings into actionable insights

Proficient in at least one programming language (e.g., Python or R), and knowledge of mass spectrometry data

Work Environment
The work location for this position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM. “Work‑Location” and scheduling are at the discretion of management; candidates may be offered a 9/80 schedule or remote work for projects requiring >2 hours offsite. The initial appointment is for two years; a third year may be possible based on performance and programmatic need. Exceptional candidates may be considered for LANL Director’s Fellowships or named fellowships.

Benefits

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with a nationwide network

Dental and vision insurance

Free basic life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Equal Opportunity
Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal‑opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process.

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