Postdoctoral Research Associate - Mass Spectrometry

Requisition Id 14184 

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver ground-breaking solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group in the Biosciences Division, Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate at ORNL. The Postdoctoral Associate will collaborate with a small team of scientists to collect soil samples, conduct metabolomics analyses of extracts, develop new metabolomic assays, and interpret effects on plant nitrogen use efficiency and nitrification inhibition.

You will conduct broad spectrum metabolomic analyses using triple quadrupole, time-of-flight, and high resolution (orbitrap) mass spectrometers. Additionally you will use innovative high efficiency liquid extraction mass spectrometry techniques (immediate droplet on demand/open port sampling interface-MS among others). Your research activities include sample collection (greenhouse and field soil collections), sample preparation (metabolite extraction, incorporation of internal standards for quantification, sample derivatization), mass spectrometry method development and troubleshooting (high efficiency and liquid chromatography optimization), data extraction and spreadsheet summarization, data visualization, interpretation, and metabolite identification. Soils are primarily of Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) genotypes as part of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) seeking to identify metabolite-SNP associations associated with biological nitrificiation inhibition.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based research.
• Lead and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts.
• Perform metabolomic research using innovative mass spectrometry capabilities.
• Develop and optimize assays for metabolite identification and quantification from soil extracts.
• Present and report research results in a timely manner to the team and present at meetings and conferences.
• Work with ORNL staff and other postdoctoral research associates and students to accomplish research goals.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values, ethics, and safety practices in a professional research environment.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience with Mass Spectrometry

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry assay development, data analysis, and interpretation
• Experience with chemical separations and other sample preparation methods for mass spectrometry
• An excellent record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Proven lab bench experience and knowledge of techniques applicable to metabolite analysis and data processing.
• Experience with biological systems and biochemistry of plants, microbes, fungi, and/or soil

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an outstanding 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If asked to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

Benefits:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate outstanding work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.