What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Associate in MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
Overview
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (BTEK) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) methods and data workflows. This role focuses on spatially mapping biomolecules across diverse sample types and translating IMS data into actionable biological insight. The successful candidate will contribute to mission-driven research with national security applications (e.g., molecular signatures of radiation exposure and other biosecurity/bioenergy priorities). You will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometers (including multiple Orbitrap platforms) and robust high-performance computing resources. The position includes opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
Key Responsibilities
Minimum Job Requirements:
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.
Work Schedule
This position is located in Los Alamos, NM. Candidates may work a 9/80 schedule at the discretion of management and in accordance with the Postdoc Program Resource Guide. Initial appointment is for two years; a third year may be possible based on performance and programmatic need. Exceptional candidates may be considered for LANL Director's Fellowships and named fellowships
Note to Applicants:
Required Application Materials
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.
No Clearance: 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.
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:
Overview
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Bioscience Division, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group (BTEK) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) methods and data workflows. This role focuses on spatially mapping biomolecules across diverse sample types and translating IMS data into actionable biological insight. The successful candidate will contribute to mission-driven research with national security applications (e.g., molecular signatures of radiation exposure and other biosecurity/bioenergy priorities). You will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometers (including multiple Orbitrap platforms) and robust high-performance computing resources. The position includes opportunities to publish in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and apply MALDI IMS sample-preparation and acquisition methods for targeted and discovery spatial analyses.
- Build and/or improve IMS data processing, visualization, and interpretation pipelines, including spatial statistics where appropriate.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate IMS outputs with complementary measurements and biological context.
- Implement and document quality control approaches appropriate for IMS studies (reference standards, process controls, and system-performance checks).
- Communicate results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference presentations.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Ph.D. in a STEM field 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,
- Deep understanding of mass spectrometry fundamentals and -omics pipeline concepts.
- Hands-on experience spanning sample preparation, instrument operation/data acquisition, and data
- Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance (typically requires U.S. citizenship).
- Demonstrated experience with MALDI IMS data processing, spatial visualization, and interpretation.
- Experience developing reproducible computational workflows (e.g., scripting, version control, documented pipelines).
- Familiarity with statistics and/or machine learning methods for robust molecular panel Development.
- Experience with multi-omics harmonization and integration is a plus.
- Experience designing and executing QC plans (reference/quantitative/process/system-performance controls).
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.
Work Schedule
This position is located in Los Alamos, NM. Candidates may work a 9/80 schedule at the discretion of management and in accordance with the Postdoc Program Resource Guide. Initial appointment is for two years; a third year may be possible based on performance and programmatic need. Exceptional candidates may be considered for LANL Director's Fellowships and named fellowships
Note to Applicants:
Required Application Materials
- Current resume/CV
- Current official transcripts
- Cover letter/personal statement of interest, not to exceed one page
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.
No Clearance: 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.
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.
- Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.