Molecular Biologist - Academic Graduate Appointee

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 an Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in a high-impact program that is focused on developing the technology and experimental datasets to advance de novo antibody design a reality. You will play a key role in a multi-disciplinary team undertaking large-scale DNA library construction along with assisting with new R&D efforts. While the role will primarily be wet-lab focused, the ideal candidate will have experience or demonstrated interest in wet-lab molecular biology and bioinformatic analysis and be motivated to develop skills across both domains. Under general supervision and in accordance with established procedures, you will support experimental workflows, analyze data, and communicate results. Opportunities for increased responsibility will be available as skills and experience develop. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work. In this role you will: Build large scale antibody variant libraries using established molecular cloning strategies. Run, troubleshoot, and help develop and optimize liquid handling automation compatible workflows. Clone libraries into yeast and bacteria. Analyze NGS data using established bioinformatic pipelines to ensure library quality and coverage. Assist in developing, testing, and documenting bioinformatic workflows for data analysis. Assemble reports summarizing key findings. Present results to team members and collaborators. Contribute to technical reports, presentations, and, as appropriate, peer-reviewed publications. Work in a fast-paced interdisciplinary team supporting research in computational protein design. 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. BS in Biology, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Experience with standard wet-lab techniques, such as bacterial transformation, DNA purification, culturing of microorganisms, and aseptic technique. Experience with molecular cloning technology such as PCR, plasmid vector construction, Gibson assembly, Golden Gate assembly, and ligation. Ability to follow established molecular-cloning workflows and troubleshoot routine issues with guidance. Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively communicate technical information. Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of team members. Qualifications we desire Experience with NGS analysis and bioinformatic workflows. Experience with scripting in Python, C++, R, and/or Bash. Experience using version control systems such as Git and coding agents (e.g., Claude Code). Experience with workflow management tools (e.g., Nextflow, SnakeMake). Laboratory automation with liquid handling robotics. Pay Range $6,748 - $7,718 Monthly Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity. #LI-Onsite All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Position Information This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values 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. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112. Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected for this position must 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. Wireless and Medical Devices Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. 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