Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Hiring for Cover Crops Microbiome Postdoctoral Fellow at Berkeley, CA  Full Time

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team.

In this role, you will use systems biology approaches to examine the complex relationships between cover crops, microbes, and their physico-chemical environment. Laboratory- and greenhouse experiments will be combined with genomic, metabolomic, physiological and morphological analyses to dissect crop-microbe interactions and their roles in the ecosystem.

Soil microorganisms play a central role in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting crop productivity. Microbial communities living in soil and around plant roots particularly impact carbon sequestration processes, the persistence of soil organic matter, the production of greenhouse gasses, and the contamination of water with nutrients from agricultural fields. Maintaining microbial diversity in agricultural systems is key to providing high crop yields while supporting a healthy ecosystem. However, the mechanisms promoting microbial diversity, particularly the role of different plants in shaping the diversity of microbial communities living around them, are yet to be discovered. This project aims to illuminate key mechanisms that underpin beneficial interactions between cover crops and soil microbiomes, how these affect plant- and system-level Carbon and nutrient transformations, and soil health.

This position has an anticipated start date of December 11, 2023.

What You Will Do:

• Design and execute laboratory and greenhouse experiments with soil, plants and microorganisms.

• Analyze microbial genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics data.

• Collect samples from the field and measure soil nutrients and carbon transformations in soil.

• Keep precise and detailed laboratory notebooks, maintain and manage all resources generated throughout the project.

• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

• Present results to internal groups and at national meetings.

What is Required:

• A recent Ph.D. (within the last 1-2 years) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

• Experience designing and conducting greenhouse experiments to study plant-microbe interactions.

• Experience characterizing soil and rhizosphere microbial communities.

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, and sample preparation for sequencing.

• Demonstrated computational skills for genomics and transcriptomics data analysis.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize/present technical reports and provide a proven track record of recent or pending scientific publications.

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong data analysis skills using Python and/or R.

• Experience conducting field studies.

• Valid driver’s license.

Notes:

• For first consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by November 10, 2023.

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,643-$6,766 and is expected to start at $5,643 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• This position will be performed onsite at the West Berkeley Biocenter (Potter St.) – Bldg. 977, 717 Potter St., Berkeley, CA 94710.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Berkeley Lab’s Postdoc Program is committed to providing Postdoctoral Researchers and Visiting scholars with a positive and impactful experience to jump-start their career through premium research and career development, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and a strong community. For more information, please visit our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Resources site and our Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association site.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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