Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant-Microbe Interfaces

Requisition Id 13381 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Plant-Microbe Interfaces (PMI) Scientific Focus Area (pmi.ornl.gov) in the Biosciences Division, Energy and Environmental Systems Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). A major focus of the PMI project is to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and functioning of mutually beneficial interactions between plants and microbes.  Plants are host to a diverse microbial community that resides within and on plant tissues. This complex community likely benefits plant health and biomass productivity in the face of changing soil and environmental conditions. A key research emphasis within the project is on metabolic and molecular understandings of plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions in these complex systems. To support this effort, an interdisciplinary group focuses on microbial isolation from rhizosphere samples, physiological characterization, image analysis, comparative genomics, plant-microbe model system development and experimentation for understanding molecular mechanisms of microbe-microbe and plant-microbe interactions that influence microbial community structure and host plant physiology and phenotypes. The PMI SFA project is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to support these interdisciplinary efforts and in particular in the development and characterization of constructed microbial communities comprised of bacterial isolates.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Conduct collaborative scientific research on constructed microbial communities using systems comprised of defined bacteria.
• Characterize bacteria using high throughput methodologies and identify phenotypic characteristics using a combination of computational and experimental techniques.
• Lead and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
• Work independently to support interdisciplinary research efforts within the Plant-Microbe Interfaces project.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific discipline. Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas is desirable: microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, microbial physiology, comparative genomics, and use of bioinformatics tools.  Priority will be given to candidates that have demonstrated the application of these techniques to the characterization of bacterial isolates and/or microbial community systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

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.

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 invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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

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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.