What You Will Do

A post-doctoral position is available at the intersection of machine learning and viral bioinformatics, with the aim of developing computational bioinformatics tools to identify antiviral peptides. A successful candidate will master one or more of the following skills: knowledge of modern machine learning (including generative models and application of foundational models), experience with software engineering using scientific Python, and experience in the fields of virology and bioinformatics. Machine learning feature importance analysis to identify viral genetic sequence elements crucial to different parts of the viral lifecycle will form a key component of this work. The postdoc will join an established multidisciplinary research team that includes both computational and experimental collaborators who seek to synthesize and evaluate antiviral peptide candidates. The ideal applicant will be comfortable working in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment. This position will be joint with CNLS ( https://cnls.lanl.gov/External/jobs.php ), which provides an exciting research environment for postdocs from many research backgrounds to interact and collaborate. The successful candidate will be expected to engage theoretical and computational scientists (CNLS postdocs) from various backgrounds to establish synergistic collaborations that will advance our general state of knowledge. The position is for two years with a competitive starting salary ($94,500 USD) plus benefits.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Computational Chemistry or related field.

• A strong publication record in your domain of expertise.

• Open source software contributions in the domain of scientific software or machine learning, and/or success in machine learning competitions (i.e., Kaggle).

Education/Experience : Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or Computational Chemistry or related field.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with the Python programming language and scientific Python.

• Experience using the scikit-learn library and other open source Python machine learning libraries.

• Experience and development work with machine learning feature importance techniques.

• Experience with software version control, continuous integration testing, and the pytest framework.

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php .

Note to Applicants:

Please send CV to Tyler Reddy (treddy@lanl.gov) and be prepared to have 3 letters of recommendation on request

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large 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)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to 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 laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.