Postdoctoral Research Associate at the interface of AI, HPC and biology in Theoretical Division
- Req. Number: IRC141365
- Organization : Theoretical Biology And Biophysics/ T-6
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
Are you ready to push the boundaries of what's possible at the intersection of AI, physics-based simulation, and biological discovery?
The Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), structural biology, molecular dynamics (MD), high-performance computing (HPC). This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to fundamental advances in AI and computational structural biology.
As a postdoc here, you won't just simulate molecules, you'll shape the future of biomedical computation. You'll design cutting-edge generative models, harness exascale computing, and contribute to a new era of AI-guided simulations and mechanistic insight. The project will apply both state-of-the-art AI/ML techniques and molecular modeling and simulation techniques to study RNA folding, drug binding and drug design.
The position provides access to world-class HPC systems, collaborative support from experts across disciplines, and the resources of a national laboratory with a deep tradition of scientific leadership. LANL fosters innovation and impact in an environment that blends basic research with national mission-driven science.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Chemistry, Biophysics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field completed within the last five years or expected soon
Desired Qualifications:
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Location-Specific Notes
LANL is located in northern New Mexico in close proximity to Santa Fe and surrounded by hiking trails, ski resorts, and natural beauty. LANL is a leader in high performance computing and has a history of leadership in this area, dating back to one of the first supercomputers ever built. The Theoretical Division was first led by Hans Bethe and was home to Richard Feynmann for many years. The Theoretical Division offers an engaging research environment and a collaborative scientific community with a strong tradition in theory, modeling, and simulation.
Application Process
To apply, please email your CV to Dr. Karissa Sanbonmatsu at kys@lanl.gov.
Also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly as PDFs to the same address.
Start date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open immediately.
Salary & Benefits
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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 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:
Additional Details
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.
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.
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 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. 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:
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
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
Are you ready to push the boundaries of what's possible at the intersection of AI, physics-based simulation, and biological discovery?
The Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), structural biology, molecular dynamics (MD), high-performance computing (HPC). This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to fundamental advances in AI and computational structural biology.
As a postdoc here, you won't just simulate molecules, you'll shape the future of biomedical computation. You'll design cutting-edge generative models, harness exascale computing, and contribute to a new era of AI-guided simulations and mechanistic insight. The project will apply both state-of-the-art AI/ML techniques and molecular modeling and simulation techniques to study RNA folding, drug binding and drug design.
The position provides access to world-class HPC systems, collaborative support from experts across disciplines, and the resources of a national laboratory with a deep tradition of scientific leadership. LANL fosters innovation and impact in an environment that blends basic research with national mission-driven science.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Experience in AI methods and molecular modeling in structural biology
- Programming skills in Python and experience in developing AI pipelines
- Working knowledge of high-performance computing environments
- Demonstrated scientific productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, open-source tools)
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines
Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Chemistry, Biophysics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field completed within the last five years or expected soon
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with RNA modeling, multiscale simulations, or AI/ML frameworks
- Experience with coarse-grained modeling, enhanced sampling, or structure prediction
- Interest in integrating physics-based simulation with generative AI models
- Commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research
Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Location-Specific Notes
LANL is located in northern New Mexico in close proximity to Santa Fe and surrounded by hiking trails, ski resorts, and natural beauty. LANL is a leader in high performance computing and has a history of leadership in this area, dating back to one of the first supercomputers ever built. The Theoretical Division was first led by Hans Bethe and was home to Richard Feynmann for many years. The Theoretical Division offers an engaging research environment and a collaborative scientific community with a strong tradition in theory, modeling, and simulation.
Application Process
To apply, please email your CV to Dr. Karissa Sanbonmatsu at kys@lanl.gov.
Also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly as PDFs to the same address.
Start date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open immediately.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary range: $97,000 - $114,000, commensurate with experience
- Excellent benefits package including health, dental, and retirement options
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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 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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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. 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.
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.
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 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. 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.
- 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.
If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.
