Wetland Plant-Microbial-Soil Interactions - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

5d • $123,048 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team of researchers studying plant-microbial-soil interactions in wetlands. This project is part of the Wetland Function and Resilience Scientific Focus Area ( https://ess.science.energy.gov/wetland-function-and-resilience-sfa/ ) and seeks to understand and improve model representation of biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial wetlands. You will interrogate plant-microbe interactions in the soil using isotope tracing under controlled greenhouse conditions in combination with biogeochemistry and ‘omics analyses. This opportunity is in the Environmental Isotope Systems group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences (NACS) Division. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbial Ecology, Plant Biology, Soil Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Science, or related field.
• Experience conducting terrestrial plant-microbial ecology studies in laboratory, field, or greenhouse settings.
• Experience with microbial bioinformatics and community statistical analysis.
• Experience with wet-lab molecular (e.g., DNA or RNA extraction, PCR) or biogeochemical techniques
• Demonstrated ability as an independent and innovative experimentalist.
• Publication record in the peer-reviewed literature reflecting intellectual leadership and scientific creativity
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with wetland plants and/or microbes.
• Experience analyzing ‘omics datasets (metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomics).
• Experience with stable isotope and isotopic tracing techniques.
• Experience with trace gas analysis.

Responsibilities

• Study biogeochemical cycling and plant-microbe interactions in wetlands and other terrestrial ecosystems.
• Use 13C tracing, stable isotope probing, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and novel greenhouse mesocosms to answer unresolved questions in the field of wetland plant-microbe interactions.
• Quantify and identify carbon sources and pathways that contribute to biological carbon dioxide and methane emissions using carbon isotopic techniques.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research.
• Manage technicians and interns who will assist you with your research.
• Collaborate with Wetland SFA team members and technical personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree