What are the responsibilities and job description for the Undergraduate Microbiology Student position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
Los Alamos National Laboratory invites you to join us for a summer student position in the Genomics and Bioanalytics Group (B-GEN) of the Bioscience Division. The Chain Lab is looking for a highly motivated and multi-talented Undergraduate student candidate to pursue research alongside a team of scientists working on studies of environmental microbiomes and interkingdom interactions.
The successful candidate would be a part of Dr. Chain's Department of Energy funded Science Focus Area (SFA) project entitled, 'Bacterial-Fungal Interactions and their Role in Soil Functioning'. The project examines bacterial-fungal interactions using both in silico and experimental characterizations. Ideally, the selected candidate would have experience in basic laboratory skills (sterile technique, culturing, and working with microbes), or even with techniques such as nucleic acid extractions and PCR. Experimental work will be done primarily with bacteria and fungi, but may include some work with plants.
The selected candidate will work closely with a team of staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and external collaborators and will be expected to present their work to the larger team and at the annual LANL Student Symposium.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience: Actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or related biological discipline from an accredited program.
Desired Qualifications:
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
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:
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
Los Alamos National Laboratory invites you to join us for a summer student position in the Genomics and Bioanalytics Group (B-GEN) of the Bioscience Division. The Chain Lab is looking for a highly motivated and multi-talented Undergraduate student candidate to pursue research alongside a team of scientists working on studies of environmental microbiomes and interkingdom interactions.
The successful candidate would be a part of Dr. Chain's Department of Energy funded Science Focus Area (SFA) project entitled, 'Bacterial-Fungal Interactions and their Role in Soil Functioning'. The project examines bacterial-fungal interactions using both in silico and experimental characterizations. Ideally, the selected candidate would have experience in basic laboratory skills (sterile technique, culturing, and working with microbes), or even with techniques such as nucleic acid extractions and PCR. Experimental work will be done primarily with bacteria and fungi, but may include some work with plants.
The selected candidate will work closely with a team of staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and external collaborators and will be expected to present their work to the larger team and at the annual LANL Student Symposium.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology
- The ability to quickly learn new skills and apply them in a laboratory setting
- The ability to work in a collaborative manner with many researchers, scientists, technicians, and students
- Self-motivated and can work independently
- Basic wet-lab laboratory skills
- Excellent communication and writing skills in the English language
- GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
Education/Experience: Actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or related biological discipline from an accredited program.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience working in a microbiology laboratory
- Experience working with fungi
- Experience performing nucleic acid extractions, PCRs, gel electrophoresis
Note to Applicants:
- Applicants should attach a CV, cover letter, and any relevant educational documents to their online application. Candidates should also email Rosanna Dill (rdill@lanl.gov) with the names and contact information for 2 references.
- Applicant may be required to travel to local conferences, meetings, or events e.g., a conference in Santa Fe
- Interested candidates should apply online at https://lanl.jobs/creative/students, and click the link to undergraduate internships.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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 Northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns. 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.
Incentive Compensation Program: For general program information refer to the Student Programs web page: https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php
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 applicable 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 a disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505) 664-6947, opt. 3.
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.
Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:
- 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.
How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process
- 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.
