Postdoctoral Research Associate in Proteomics (LC-MS/MS)Triad National Security
Job Summary
What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) is seeking a proteomics-focused Postdoctoral Research Associate to design, execute, and improve large-scale proteomics pipelines. This role emphasizes high-throughput LC-MS/MS proteomics from sample preparation through quantitative/qualitative analysis and bioinformatics, with a strong focus on rigorous quality control to ensure defensible results across mission-relevant studies. You will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to multiple high-resolution Orbitrap platforms and high-performance computing resources. The position includes opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
Key Responsibilities:
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Desired Qualifications:
Work Environment:
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.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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:
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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, 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 (505)-664-6947. Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (B-TEK) is seeking a proteomics-focused Postdoctoral Research Associate to design, execute, and improve large-scale proteomics pipelines. This role emphasizes high-throughput LC-MS/MS proteomics from sample preparation through quantitative/qualitative analysis and bioinformatics, with a strong focus on rigorous quality control to ensure defensible results across mission-relevant studies. You will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to multiple high-resolution Orbitrap platforms and high-performance computing resources. The position includes opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and execute LC-MS/MS proteomics experiments (DIA and/or DDA) including sample preparation, acquisition, and downstream analysis.
- Develop and/or refine quantitative proteomics workflows with and without isobaric labeling, as appropriate to the study design.
- Implement, track, and document QC standards (reference, quantitative, process control, and system-performance controls) across studies.
- Integrate proteomics results with biological context and complementary measurements; contribute to multi-omics efforts when relevant.
- Utilize existing bioinformatics tools and develop project-specific computational workflows.
- Improve computational pipelines for feature detection, annotation, normalization, visualization, and reproducible reporting.
- Communicate results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Ph.D. in a STEM field (e.g. analytical chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, computational biology, data science) completed within the last five years (or expected by the start date).
- Strong peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with career stage.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication (e.g., manuscripts, reports, presentations).
- Experience processing DIA proteomics data and/or developing computational workflows for proteomics or metabolomics datasets.
- Experience working with high-dimensional and complex datasets.
- Deep understanding of mass spectrometry fundamentals, proteomics, and -omics pipeline concepts.
- Hands-on experience spanning sample preparation, instrument operation/data acquisition, and data analysis.
- Proficiency in scientific programming or data analysis using Python, R, MATLAB, or a comparable language.
- Working knowledge of statistical analysis, data visualization, and reproducible computational practices.
- Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance (typically requires U.S. citizenship).
Desired Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience with large-scale proteomics studies and quantitative LC-MS/MS data analysis.
- Experience with DDA/DIA, spectral library approaches, and/or advanced analysis modalities (e.g., de novo or top-down) is a plus.
- Familiarity applying machine learning and statistics to develop robust biomarker panels.
- Demonstrated experience using bioinformatics tools and developing computational workflows.
- Strong background in multivariate statistical analysis and predictive modeling.
- Experience establishing QC methods addressing background, extraction efficiency, precision, LC reproducibility, and standards/sample pools.
- Familiarity with common proteomics software ecosystems (e.g., Proteome Discoverer, Perseus, MaxQuant, or similar).
- Experience with automation/robotics for sample preparation is a plus.
Work Environment:
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.
Note to Applicants:
- Current resume/CV
- Current official transcripts
- Cover letter/personal statement of interest, not to exceed one page
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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)
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. 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.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
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, 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 (505)-664-6947. Instructions on How to Activate/ Create a LANL Jobs Account:
Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:
- Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.
- Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.
- Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.
- Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.
- From here, you will establish an account with username and password.
- Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job's details.
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