Job Information
Los Alamos National Laboratory Biological Sciences Graduate Internship Program in Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Do something that matters and make a real difference at one of the World's most prestigious and innovative multidisciplinary research institutions!
The Biological Sciences Graduate Student (GRA) Program offers paid summer and year-round internships for graduate students in a variety of Biological Science projects. The program provides mentoring, hands-on technical experience, and professional development opportunities through a formalized work plan complementing the student's chosen area of study.
Examples of LANL projects in Biological Science include, but are not limited to:
Development of cutting-edge bioinformatics tools that solve challenges in genome assembly, annotation, variant calling and transcriptomics;
Understanding telomere biology in plants and algae;
Adaptation of microfluidic techniques bacterial cell capture;
Exploring the role of the vacuolar proton-pumping pyrophosphatase, AVP1, on starch accumulation in the microalgae Picochlorum soloecismus; and
Designing, building, and testing microfluidic platforms for single cell sorting and analysis.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Experience working with DNA sequencing technologies, bioinformatics pipeline development or software engineering.
Experience in genomics data analysis, such as transcriptomics, genome assembly, genome annotation, or variant calling analysis pipelines.
Experience working in command line environments and with computational cluster submission tools (such as SLURM).
Lab, coursework, or experience in molecular biology or microbiology.
Education: Currently enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program in any Biological Science discipline. Examples of Biological Science disciplines of greatest interest include: Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Ecology, Forestry, Life Science, and Wildlife Biology. Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours (or full time equivalent). Candidate must currently have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
Desired Qualifications:
Students selected for GRA internships in Biological Sciences are most competitive when they possess the following knowledge and skills:
Computer programming in support of scientific data acquisition or analysis in bioscience;
Experimental techniques currently used within your selected biological science subfield(s);
Laboratory experience demonstrating an attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices;
Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context; and
Commitment to achieving results in a complex social and organizational setting.
Work Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.
Note to Applicants:
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
U.S. Citizenship: Many Laboratory positions will require or eventually require a security clearance, which typically requires U.S. Citizenship to obtain, except in extremely limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder) 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.
For general program information refer to the Student Programs (http://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php) web page at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/index.php .
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)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 (https://directives.nnsa.doe.gov/supplemental-directive/sd-0206-0002) . 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.
*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 (https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0472.2-BOrder-chg1-pgchg) for additional information.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712, §712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.
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 (https://int.lanl.gov/policy/documents/P701.pdf) for applicant eligibility requirements.
Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory 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, 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. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.
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
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If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.