Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental Virology

The Biosciences Division (BIO) at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct cutting-edge molecular biology research. The primary focus of this position is the development and application of experimental virology methods to predict viral evolution and identify emerging pathogen variants.

This role is part of a highly collaborative initiative involving Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FCC), the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Together, these partners are advancing pandemic preparedness through AI-driven pathogen forecasting. The postdoctoral researcher will validate computational predictions through laboratory-based experiments, including reverse genetics, viral characterization, and structural biology analyses.

A secondary focus of this position involves investigating how intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) mediate cellular signaling, with an emphasis on therapeutic applications in cancer. Supported by a multi-year ARPA-H award, this effort aims to transform therapeutic development for IDPs and enable new strategies in cancer research and treatment.

A third component of the role will support ongoing laboratory studies examining the effects of low-dose radiation on human cells.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess viral fitness, transmissibility, and immune escape as an experimental virologist, collaborating closely with computational biologists to validate AI-driven predictions of viral evolution.
• Design and execute laboratory assays, including reverse genetics and cell-based phenotyping, to experimentally test computational forecasts of emerging pathogen variants
• Investigate intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) interactions and signaling mechanisms under normal and cancer-relevant physiological conditions.
• Use computational and AI-based models to iteratively design, validate, and refine experiments, accelerating the development of therapeutic strategies targeting IDPs.
• Support interdisciplinary studies examining the biological effects of low-dose radiation on human cells.

This role will require working on-site in Lemont, Illinois, 5 days a week

Position Requirements

Required skills, knowledge and experience:

• Completed or soon to be completed Ph.D. within the last 0-5 years in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental virology, including viral culture, molecular cloning, reverse genetics, and cell-based assays.
• Strong understanding of viral evolution, fitness, and immune escape mechanisms, with experience translating computational predictions into experimental validation.
• Experience (or willing to learn) studying protein–protein interactions, with knowledge of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or related signaling pathways.
• Ability to integrate computational or AI-based models with experimental design; familiarity with bioinformatics or structural modeling is a plus.
• Experience working in BSL-2 laboratory environments and adhering to biosafety, radiation safety, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and scientific communication skills, including preparation of manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Preferred skills, knowledge and experience:

• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary, multi-institution research teams.
• Familiarity working in a Laboratory setting and accompanying experience with safety protocols and working environment.

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.