Translational Immunology - Group Leader

We have an opening for a Group Leader (GL) for Translational Immunology to provide scientific vision and managerial leadership for a multidisciplinary team advancing research at the interface of biology, computation, and engineering. This position will emphasize immune system biology, vaccine development, and biodefense countermeasure technologies that support LLNL’s mission in national security and human health. The Group Leader will manage a diverse research portfolio that integrates molecular immunology, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and nanotechnology-based therapeutic design, while driving the development of next-generation capabilities in translational biology, high-throughput biosciences, and biomedical innovation. Programmatic activities may include immunomodulation and adjuvant design, synthetic biology approaches for vaccine and therapeutic development, nano- and microscale systems for biosensing and antigen delivery, single-cell and spatial omics for immune profiling, and computational modeling of immune responses. The successful candidate will be expected to expand these programs, strengthen collaborations across LLNL directorates, and strategically align BBTD’s translational biology efforts with Laboratory and national priorities. This position requires you to have funding to cover the majority of your own time through programmatic and other direct or indirect funding sources. This position is in the Translational Immunology Group of the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division (BBTD).

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. 

You will 

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to the Translational Immunology Group, advancing innovative research aligned with LLNL’s missions in national security, biodefense, and human health.
• Provide leadership through strategic planning, effective hiring, staff mentoring, performance management, and effective delivery on project deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for communication between group members and senior management.
• Mentor technical staff to promote professional development and conduct staff and performance management activities in collaboration with BBTD Management, including succession planning.
• Promote collaboration and communication across LLNL divisions and directorates through internal seminars, technical exchanges, and cross-disciplinary projects.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at national and international conferences, and represent LLNL to the broader scientific community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.5 level 

• Manage and coordinate research activities, budgets, and personnel across multidisciplinary teams within BBTD and other LLNL directorates.
• Develop and successfully secure external partnerships and secure funding from federal agencies (e.g., NIH, DOE, BARDA, DTRA, NASA) and industry collaborators to support new scientific programs and research proposals.
• Develop and lead research programs integrating molecular, computational, and engineering approaches to investigate immune mechanisms, vaccine design, and novel therapeutic platforms.

Qualifications

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.
• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated record of scientific excellence with extensive publication history and recognized contributions to immunology or related fields.
• Highly advanced experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams and managing externally funded programs.
• Substantial experience securing and administering research funding from federal agencies and/or industry partners.
• Substantial mentorship record, with demonstrated commitment to developing early-career scientists and fostering diverse, inclusive research teams.
• Expert leadership skills and experience supervising others in a technical environment.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills, specifically the ability to explain and present highly complex ideas, as well as to influence employees and all levels of management, and with the ability to represent LLNL at the national and international level.
• Highly advanced ability to delegate effectively and to lead, motivate, and build highly complex interdisciplinary teams to work towards programmatic and institutional goals.
• Substantial experience working effectively as part of a management team on behalf of the division, directorate, and Laboratory.

Additional qualifications at the SEL.5 level 

• Extensive experience in Molecular or Cellular biology with an emphasis on Immunology.
• Expert ability to apply, lead, and develop cutting-edge techniques to address research challenges in immunomodulation and countermeasure delivery platforms.
• Extensive experience guiding and providing strategic direction for projects to a diverse group of scientists, using demonstrated expert level communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with nanoparticle, synthetic biology, or bioengineering platforms for vaccine and therapeutic applications.
• Familiarity with genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics approaches and data integration for immunological analysis.
• Experience with outside sponsorship of funding related to immunology or immune responses.
• Demonstrated success in establishing collaborations across academic, industrial, and government partners.

Pay Range

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position. Lab employees may be considered for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire. 

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.

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. 

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