Job Details

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. You will work within the Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, a world-leading team in modeling within-host infectious diseases and immune responses. In this position, you will pursue research in mathematical and theoretical biology, with emphasis on problems in viral dynamics and immune system modeling. Our interests span a wide range of topics from basic immunology, cell and molecular biology, treatment of viral infections to transmission dynamics, and viral evolution in light of immune-mediated pressure/selection. We develop models in collaboration with experimental scientists that generate new insights into the dynamics of viral infections, the immune response, and virus-immune system (host-pathogen) interactions. We have standing collaborations with many experimental immunologists and clinicians, and help them develop new experiments, interpret data and generate new hypotheses about possible biological mechanisms. This position is to work on two funded projects (50% each) on modeling (innate and adaptive) immune responses to infection. Team members will support and enrich your research and professional goals through their outstanding breadth and depth of expertise in their respective fields. Indeed, we work as a team with strong interactions between all of us and post-doctoral researchers. Our vibrant team of researchers is diverse across many spectrums and we welcome people who are excited to work in a team environment to help solve pressing problems in infection and health. A self-motivated, creative postdoc will find this environment conducive to intellectual and professional growth.

We are looking for enthusiastic scientists with mathematical, statistical and/or machine learning skills, and a strong interest in viral dynamics and/or immunology. Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in the core areas of research mentioned above; a track record of publications; and commitment to work to the high LANL standards, including attending required training. The candidate should have good programming skills (e.g., python, R,...), good working knowledge of one or more mathematical or statistical packages (e.g., Mathematica, Matlab, Monolix, ...) and excellent English (both written and oral). Working knowledge of machine learning is a plus.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• An ability to work and communicate effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Experience with mathematical/statistical modeling.
• Demonstrated skills in a programming language (e.g., python, R,...).

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience one or more mathematical or statistical packages (e.g., Mathematica, Matlab, Monolix, ...).
• Publications in refereed journals and a history of successful research in collaborative team environments.
• Experience developing multi-scale models and/or in uncertainty quantification and data fitting.
• Exposure to viral dynamics or immunology modeling.
• Familiarity working with "big" datasets and working knowledge of machine learning tools.

Work Location: The work location for this position is located in Los Alamos, NM.

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 $97,000.00.

Note to Applicants: A requirement of LANL's post-doctoral program is a PhD earned no more than five years ago. For this position, the specific subject of one's PhD degree is not restrictive, but usually a PhD in applied mathematics, physics, statistics, computer or computational science, or mathematical biology is appropriate.

For initial consideration for this position and more details about the scientific areas of research, send an email including your CV and brief statement of interest to Ruy Ribeiro (...@lanl.gov) and Carmen Molina-Paris (...@lanl.gov). We will only reply to those candidates whose applications we are interested in pursuing further. After initial screening, transcripts and 3-4 letters of recommendation may be requested, followed by an interview. Applications will be reviewed as received, and we hope to fill the positions as soon as possible. Additional questions may be included in your email. Be sure to also officially apply via the link on this page. Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Marie Curie, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer fellowships.

Start date is negotiable, but earlier is preferable. The position will require relocation to the Los Alamos/Santa Fe area. Los Alamos and Santa Fe offer a unique blend of cultural, outdoor, and historical activities.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) 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 or preference, 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.