Laboratory Ecosystem Research Scientist

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division has an opening for a Laboratory Ecosystem Research Scientist to conduct research using fabricated ecosystems to study plant microbe interactions at the Northen Lab.

In this exciting role, you will be involved in setting up, maintaining, and characterizing laboratory experiments to gain insights into beneficial plant-microbe interactions with the goal of understanding how to effectively harness microbes for sustainable agriculture. This will require 'community' systems biology approaches to examine the complex interplay among plants, microbes, and their physico-chemical environment. You will leverage deep expertise in plant biology, environmental microbiology, metabolomics analysis, fabricated ecosystems, and data analysis to discover causal mechanisms by which beneficial plant-microbe interactions can positively impact the flow of nutrients within marginal soils.

This position has an anticipated start date of October 1, 2024.

What You Will Do:

• Use fabricated ecosystems approaches for studying plant microbe interactions.
• Perform metabolomics analyses to investigate metabolite exchange between community members and identify plant exudates that sustain rhizosphere communities.
• Design and execute experiments to determine factors that mediate carbon and nutrient exchange between plants and bacteria.
• Perform statistical and computational analysis of metabolomic data.
• Use stable isotopes and computational analyses to gain insights into how bacteria alter plant nutritional requirements.
• Partner with group members and provide implementation plans that include timeline, procedures, expected outcomes, and risks.
• Participate in cross-team and cross-group collaborative projects.
• Present research at international conferences, publish in high-impact and peer-reviewed journals.
• Work independently, maintain appropriate records and manage data to ensure accessibility and replication of work.
• Assist the principal investigator to track, coordinate, manage program activities, and prepare reports and updates required to obtain/maintain funding.
• Drive projects to completion and publication.
• Direct the work of undergrads or research assistants as needed.

What is Required:

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Plant Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field and minimum of 2 years of relevant experience studying plant-microbe interactions and working with fabricated ecosystems or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience analyzing metabolomic data using GNPS.
• At least one publication using fabricated ecosystems.
• Experience working with stable isotopes and making microbial isolations from diverse environments including soils.
• Experience growing Brachypodium in mesocosm systems and using omics approaches to study complex plant and soil microbiomes research including in situ metabolomics.
• Experience with LC-MS based metabolomic analysis and use of TOC analyzers.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Principal Investigators (PI's) while managing multiple projects in parallel.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated success in the publication of high-impact work in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience promoting and presenting scientific projects to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with diverse teams of scientific, operations, and technical staff.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Plant Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating multi-laboratory microbiome studies.
• Experience with plant nutrition.
• Experience performing fieldwork including large-scale agricultural experiments.
• Training in Biostatistics using R.
• Experience serving as Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Experience training and directing the work of early career, technical support staff, and/or students.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume by August 29, 2024.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Career-Track Term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• This position is expected to pay $79,176 - $126,696 per year for job code S05.1, which fits within the full salary range of $79,176 - $190,044 per year. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group.
• 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 Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit:careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility 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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