Graduate Microbiologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in research in the field of microbial genetics and synthetic biology. You will work as part of a team of scientists conducting research to study protein compartmentalization systems and develop new genetic tools for Rhodococcus species. This position is in the Microbial Systems Biology Group within the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division.               

In this role you will:

• Perform molecular biology workflows using established protocols.
• Perform microbiology tasks, including growth and maintenance of bacterial cultures under sterile conditions, preparation of chemically competent bacterial cells, and transformations
• Generate mutations in bacteria and test phenotypes using a variety of assays (e.g., growth assays, microscopy, etc.).
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks, sample records, and experimental documentation.
• Present results in team meetings and contribute to written reports, presentations, and for literature reviews.
• Communicate with mentors, advisors, and other scientists to address research challenges.
• Learn and apply established laboratory methods, data collection practices, and safe work procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• B.S. or M.S. in Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience and/or knowledge with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Familiarity with bacterial culture methods and sterile technique.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to present and explain research results.
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with attention to detail and increasing independence under guidance.
• Ability to follow standard laboratory protocols and ES&H safety procedures.

Qualifications we desire:

• Experience with microbial genetics or synthetic biology research.
• Experience with molecular biology and microbiology methods, including microbial cell culture, DNA amplification or extraction, molecular cloning, and bacterial transformation.
• Familiarity with plasmid and gDNA extraction methods.
• Experience culturing and working with non-model bacteria
• Experience with gram-positive bacteria.
• Experience with spectrophotometric assays using a plate reader.
• Exposure to data analysis or basic bioinformatics tools.
• Experience with MS Office applications (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Pay Range

$6,748 - $7,718 Monthly 

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

#LI-Onsite

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).

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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

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, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.