Barbara McClintock Bioscience Fellowship

What Your Job Will Be Like:

Are you interested in research at the forefront of biological sciences? Do you seek to carry out innovative research impacting such diverse topics as biomass conversion, synthetic biology, or immunology and infectious disease? Are you interested in research that addresses problems of national importance? If so, you could join our dynamic team as Sandia's first McClintock Fellow!

The Barbara McClintock Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship has been established in honor of Barbara McClintock, an American scientist and cytogeneticist who was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of genetic transposition. McClintock’s pioneering work in maize demonstrated that genes are responsible for turning physical characteristics on and off and her theories explained the suppression and expression of genetic information from one generation to the next.

As a Sandia McClintock Postdoctoral Fellow, you will:

• Cultivate creativity and advance concepts at the forefront of biological research;

• Address complex problems in support of Sandia's broad-ranging mission;

• Collaborate with highly motivated and passionate researchers with a wide range of expertise on challenging research questions using state-of-the-art facilities; and

• Disseminate your work via leading publications and conferences.

Sandia is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining diverse, qualified candidates that reflect a broad spectrum of talent. In support of this vision, we actively recruit applicants from diverse backgrounds and foster an inclusive work culture.

The selected Fellow will receive a two-year appointment with a highly competitive salary, moving expenses, an equipment budget, and a generous professional travel allowance. You will pursue a self-directed research project and also participate in existing Sandia research projects under the guidance of Sandia staff mentors. The self-directed research will be funded through Sandia's Bioscience Research Foundation, an investment area under Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program. You are expected to publish the results of your work in leading journals and present it at top-tier conferences. An intent of this fellowship is to provide early career support and professional mentorship. Over the period of the fellowship, the Fellow may have the opportunity to bid on a regular Sandia position. In some cases this may lead to being converted to regular career positions during their term, if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

To apply for the McClintock Fellowship:

• Click "Apply for Job" on this page and submit a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and a 3 to 5 page research proposal.

• Have three letters of recommendation submitted to mcclintockfellowship@sandia.gov with "2022 McClintock Fellowship" as the subject line.

• You can email mcclintockfellowship@sandia.gov with any questions or for help identifying a staff member to provide a Sandia perspective on your proposed research.

• Complete applications received no later than July 29, 2022, will receive full consideration. Selections are anticipated by September 30, 2022.

For more information on the McClintock Fellowship, please visit: Barbara McClintock Bioscience Fellowship (https://www.sandia.gov/careers/career-possibilities/students-and-postdocs/fellowships/barbara-mcclintock-fellowship/)

Qualifications We Require:

• PhD in a field relevant to biological sciences, conferred within the past three years, or anticipated completion of PhD requirements by commencement of appointment

• Background including the appropriate research experience, as evidenced by a strong record of research publications and presentations

• Proposed research is compelling and innovative in bioscience research

• No previous postdoctoral appointments at a national laboratory

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experience in a bioscience or bioengineering related field

• Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by participation in scientific conferences and publication in high impact journals

• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and demonstrated interest and/or experience in service to the nation

• Ability to conduct autonomous research and thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments to contribute on diverse problems and applications

• Proven research community leadership through activities such as participation in student or professional organizations, outreach activities, etc.

• Related professional experience such as internships in industry or at other national labs, participation in visiting research programs, etc.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship

About Our Team:

The Bioscience Research Foundation (RF), an investment area under Sandia’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program, performs R&D required to anticipate, detect, and counter the risks of natural and human-made bio-threats (biodefense) and to identify and mitigate the impacts of climate change by advancing scientific understanding and developing technological solutions (environmental security). In biodefense, we address both natural and human-made biological agents, digital biosecurity, and materials, which can be either enabling or a target for manipulation. In environmental security, we address the impacts of global climate change, bioresource security, and the need to drive the circular bioeconomy.

The team is composed of expert scientists, researchers, and engineers performing exploratory science and developing technologies to address pressing national needs in energy security, and national defense. Through extensive partnerships inside and outside Sandia, the Center is focused on understanding and countering natural, traditional and engineered biological threats, as well as on developing alternative lignocellulosic and algal-derived transportation biofuels. We continually work with experts and world class researchers along with our key sponsors which include the DOE Office of Science (BER and BES), the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, ARPA-E, DoD, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, DHS, and the NIH.

About Sandia:

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

• Extraordinary co-workers

• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

• Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance:

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.

Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

Bidder Eligibility:

Employees must remain in their current position for one year before applying for a new position, with the exception of student interns. Application of this requirement will not supersede collective bargaining agreements. See collective bargaining labor agreements for represented bidder eligibility requirements for represented employees.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate:

Sandia demonstrates its commitment to public safety in the national interest by requiring that all new hires be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before commencing employment. The requirement also applies to those who are telecommuting and working virtually.

Any concerns about the ability to meet this requirement should be directed to HR Solutions at (505) 284-4700.

Job ID: 682900