We have an opening for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in protein binding sites and small molecule drug discovery with expertise in molecular modeling and simulations of biological systems and machine learning. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team working with computational chemists, and experimental chemists and computer scientists. You will be responsible for investigating the molecular recognition between small molecule and protein binding sites and creating new machine learning methods to make these predictions. You will present your work regularly and publish your research and findings, which includes occasional domestic travel. This position is in the Biochemical and Biophysical Systems group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division. NOTE: This is a two-year Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. You will Conduct advanced independent research to investigate the mechanism small molecule binding into protein binding sites. Perform and automate high throughput co-complexation to predict the strength of binding. Develop new analytics to analyze results from complex biology experiments and simulations. Work with external partners (Universities, Industry, other National Laboratories) to advance computational biology simulation efforts. Prepare complex and detailed weekly progress reports to support project needs and deadlines. Prepare complex written analyses and verbal briefings, and present research results to sponsors. Develop new and innovative research methods relevant to the needs of Laboratory programs and/or external funding agencies. Contribute to proposals and statements of work. Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings, which requires travel. Perform other duties as assigned.
Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details. PhD in computational biology, computational physics, computer science, or computational chemistry or equivalent combination of education and related experience. Knowledge and experience in protein function prediction, protein-ligand binding, molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning. Ability to work independently on defined research projects, as well as a member of a team with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff. Computer skills including programming experience with Perl, Python, or C++, preferably in a UNIX environment. Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts. Ability to travel, as necessary, to interact with collaborators. Qualifications We Desire Experience in collaborating with experimental biologists. Experience in automated analysis and data visualization. Pay $118,884 Annually
#LI-Onsite Position Information This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values Security Clearance None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112. Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Wireless and Medical Devices Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, table