Requisition Id 9628
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.
The Biosciences Division (www.ornl.gov/bsd) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has an opening for a microbiologist to apply new techniques for bacterial quantitative trait-locus mapping for microbiome engineering. Modifying plant-associated soil microbiomes offers new opportunities to improve ecosystem function, but also represents a substantial engineering challenge. In the multi-investigator Secure Ecosystem Engineering and Design Science Focus Area (https://seed-sfa.ornl.gov/ ), we are building the fundamental knowledge and tools necessary to address this challenge.
In this position, you will construct large recombinant populations of non-model Bacillus. You will then map genetic variants that affect the bacterium’s ability to establish in model soil communities. You will be expected to integrate with technical support staff, as well as expert collaborators in ecology, plant, and soil biology, ‘omics, bioinformatics, and high-throughput genetics at ORNL and at partner institutions. You will also design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze quantitative data, write, and communicate results to the scientific community.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Perform research in bacterial genetics, synthetic biology, and plant-microbe interactions
- Work with a diverse team of scientists
- Interface directly with internal and external partners in various disciplines
- Present research results at national scientific meetings
- Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
- Participate in project planning and execution
- Work with staff to develop new proposals
- Maintain detailed and accurate records
- Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling
- Take a position of leadership for day-to-day laboratory operations while addressing all of ORNL's environmental health and safety requirements
- Self-assess experimental research skill set and identify weakness and secure learning resources to address these issues
- Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements
- Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
Basic Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in microbiology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field is required completed within the last 5 years
- 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:
- Experience with microbiology, cloning, and genetic engineering, preferably including non-model bacteria
- Experience analyzing large datasets, including sequencing and ‘omics data
- Experience working with plant-microbe interactions is desirable
- Effective writing and presentation skills, demonstrated by a strong publication record from previous research
- Desire to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Proven publication record
For additional information, contact Dr. Josh Michener (https://joshmichener.ornl.gov/ , [email protected] ). This position is a temporary, full-time assignment for 24-36 months, contingent on successful performance and continued funding.
You should apply directly through the ORNL careers website. Applications cannot be accepted through email or any other means.
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.
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 [email protected].
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville