Postdoctoral Research Associate - Fungal Systems and Genetics
About The Position
The Biological Systems Design Group in the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fungal systems and genetics. The position is part of the Synthetic Biology section and contributes to a Laboratory Directed Research and Development project developing bio-enabled approaches for critical mineral accessibility and recovery. The researcher will investigate genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying fungal interactions with lithium-bearing minerals and other critical-material systems. Work will emphasize genetically tractable non-model fungi and the development and application of genome-engineering approaches to identify and characterize genes and pathways associated with mineral interactions, stress tolerance, elemental partitioning, and related phenotypes. The work integrates fungal genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, functional genomics, and phenotypic characterization. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of ORNL scientists and technical staff and with researchers in biological, chemical, and materials sciences. The appointment is temporary, for up to 24 months, with potential extension subject to performance and funding availability. Applicants must have completed all Ph.D. requirements before the appointment begins and may not have received their most recent degree more than five years before applying. Three letters of reference are required. Employment requires appropriate identification and eligibility to obtain and maintain the required federal PIV credential or, for certain foreign national candidates, a favorable LSSO risk determination.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in fungal genetics, microbiology, mycology, molecular biology, or a related field.
- Must not have received the most recent degree more than five years before the application date.
- Must complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required federal PIV credential, or, for eligible foreign national candidates who have not met the U.S. residency requirement, a favorable LSSO risk determination.
Nice To Haves
- Experience manipulating filamentous fungi.
- Experience developing gene-editing tools for non-domesticated fungal species.
- Experience with synthetic biology tools for fungi.
- Experience designing vectors for versatile gene manipulation in fungi.
- Experience generating and analyzing large datasets.
- Effective writing and presentation skills, demonstrated by a strong publication record.
- Ability and desire to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Proven publication record.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research in microbial systems and genetics to investigate and engineer biological functions.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments and develop and apply genetic tools for fungal systems.
- Analyze quantitative and multi-omics data, interpret findings, and prepare results for publication and presentation.
- Collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and interface with internal and external partners across disciplines.
- Present research results at national scientific meetings.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.
- Participate in project planning and execution.
- Work with staff to develop new proposals.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records and acquire and analyze data according to project schedules.
- Provide day-to-day leadership for laboratory operations while meeting ORNL environmental health and safety requirements.
- Assess experimental research skills, identify weaknesses, and seek learning resources to address them.
- Comply with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
- Maintain dedication to ORNL's values and ethics.
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site banking facilities
- On-site cafeteria
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Educational assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
