Post Doctoral Researcher: Plant-Microbial Ecology for Sustainable Bioenergy

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team of researchers studying plant-microbial interactions for sustainable bioenergy, with an emphasis on rhizosphere and fungal-hyphosphere interactions.

Job Description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team of researchers studying plant-microbial interactions for sustainable bioenergy, with an emphasis on rhizosphere and fungal-hyphosphere interactions. This project is part of the MicroBiospheres Scientific Focus area (https://bio-sfa.llnl.gov/) and seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms underpinning plant-associated symbioses. Research will involve cultivation of bioenergy plants and beneficial fungal partners in soil under controlled laboratory conditions, incubating with stable isotope tracers, and conducting biogeochemical and ‘omics analyses. This opportunity is in the Environmental Isotope Systems group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences (NACS) Division. Starting salary: >$97K USD plus benefits.

Apply here: https://us.smrtr.io/hd-f

In this role you will

  • Study plant-fungal symbioses for sustainable bioenergy. You will research the molecular and biogeochemical mechanisms that regulate the benefit of these symbioses.
  • Conduct innovative plant-microbial interaction research using 13C, 15N, and 18O stable isotope tracers, ‘omics analyses, NanoSIMS, and in-development microscopes.
  • Perform independent research and lead new projects in the area of environmental microbiome research and imaging methods development.
  • Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research.
  • Manage technicians and interns who will assist you with your research.
  • Collaborate with BioSFA team members and technical personnel.
  • Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals
  • Present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Microbial Ecology, Soil Ecology, Plant Biology, Microbiology or related field and demonstrated experience.
  • Experience conducting plant or soil microbial ecology studies in laboratory, field, or greenhouse settings.
  • Experience with wet-lab molecular techniques (e.g., nucleic acid or metabolite extractions, PCR).
  • Experience with cultivation techniques for plant, fungal, or bacterial interactions studies.
  • Experience with bioinformatics and microbial community statistical analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability as an independent and innovative experimentalist
  • Publication record in the peer-reviewed literature reflecting intellectual leadership and scientific creativity
  • Demonstrated experience in written and verbal communication skills necessary to independently deliver presentations and prepare written publications, and reports.

Qualifications We Desire

  • Experience working with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is highly desired.
  • Experience analyzing ‘omics datasets (metagenome, metatranscriptome, metaproteome, or metabolomics).

Apply here: https://us.smrtr.io/hd-f

Application deadline: Open until filled
Start date: ASAP
Location: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Livermore, CA USA)