Postdoctoral Appointee - Virology and Antiviral Therapies

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

Are you looking for an opportunity to do important and creative research? Sandia/California’s Systems Biology Department is seeking a hardworking Postdoctoral Appointee to develop antiviral therapies against epidemic/pandemic viruses such as Ebola and SARS-CoV2 and develop new methods for pathogen characterization. We are currently using genome engineering technology (CRISPR) to identify host factors that can be targeted to prevent infection of emerging viruses in both in vitro and in vivo systems. The selected candidate will continue these efforts and develop large-scale gene modulation-screening assays to test against multiple virus models with the goal of discovering direct anti-viral therapeutic targets, in addition to host-directed targets. Validation of viral and host genetic targets will be combined with in vivo nanoparticle delivery technologies for efficacy testing in mouse models of infection. Identification of genetic targets common to multiple viral strains and/or families will be given the highest priority for advancement development as we aim for broad-spectrum therapies.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Perform development and screening of functional genomics assays that include several types of CRISPR screens (e.g. knockout, inhibition, activation, mRNA targeting)

• Test identified candidate genes in vitro using surrogate pseudovirus systems that mimic wild type infection but can be handled safely under BSL-2 containment

• Coordinate with cross-disciplinary team to move anti-viral testing from in vitro to in vivo models

• Mentor technologists and interns

• Work collaboratively to execute, track and refine project plans with an integrated multidisciplinary team that may include members from national labs, universities, and industry

• Communicate your research through writing scientific papers, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting findings at seminars and conferences

• Contribute to the creation and development of new scientific research proposals

Qualifications We Require:

• Recent PhD in Virology, Microbiology, Immunology, or a relevant field

• Proven record of high technical accomplishment and written communication (e.g. as evidenced by publication in high-impact scientific journals) and strong verbal communication and data presentation skills (e.g., as demonstrated through scientific conference presentations)

Qualifications We Desire:

• Viral-host factor identification and molecular mechanism characterization

• Strong Molecular Biology/ Synthetic Biology skills

• Gene editing technology (e.g. CRISPR screens)

• Experience designing and implemeting high-throughput screens (e..g, using next generation sequencing or functional assays)

• Experience handling viruses at Biosafety Level 2 (or higher)

• Experience with mouse handling/experimental methods, and mouse biology and/or tissue analysis

About Our Team:

The Systems Biology Department, located in Livermore, California is a diverse research group with a focus on both basic and applied biological research. We seek to address problems with strong ties to national security, including as biodefense and health security, and climate and energy security. We do this using innovative research approaches in microbiology, virology, synthetic biology, immunology and bioinformatics, incorporating advanced technology development including CRISPR/Cas technologies, advanced omics, and advanced materials and nanotechnology. We also seek to develop the science-based needed to produce clean, efficient, and cost-effective biofuels and other bioproducts on a commercial scale. Our department is part of the highly multidisciplinary Applied Biosciences and Engineering Group, comprised of researchers with expertise in many disciplines of biology (molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology and biochemistry), chemistry (analytical, organic and physical), computational science (bioinformatics, machine learning, computational chemistry), and engineering(chemical, mechanical and biomedical).

About Sandia:

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

• Extraordinary co-workers

• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

• Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance:

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Position Information:

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

Job ID: 686583