Research Associate in Plant Biology

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 Systems Biology Group in the Biosciences Division, Biological and Environmental System Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Post doctoral Associate will collaborate with a group of scientists to conduct plant and microbial metabolomics analyses. You will join a team of scientific and technical staff actively working to characterize the metabolite composition of plant and microbial samples. You will conduct broad spectrum metabolomic analyses using an Agilent 5975C standard quadrupole gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and elucidation of unknowns using a high resolution (accurate mass) ThermoFisher Q Exactive Orbitrap GC-MS/MS.

The analyses are conducted independently across a suite of studies.  Your research activities include sample preparation (grinding samples in liquid nitrogen, incorporation of internal standards for quantification, metabolite extraction, sample derivatization), data extraction and spreadsheet summarization, data visualization, interpretation, and metabolite database development.  The metabolomic analyses will be conducted on plant samples generated within the Center for Bioenergy Innovation (https://cbi.ornl.gov/) that will include characterizing the metabolome of a large collection of Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) genotypes as part of a genome-wide association study (GWAS), including identifying unknowns, to identify metabolite-SNP associations.  The results will be used to establish the basis of drought tolerance in P. deltoides, biosynthetic pathways for bioproduct synthesis, and manipulation of biomass composition. Included in the research will be construction of the metabolite database for the Q Exactive Orbitrap GC-MS/MS.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based research.
• Lead and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts.
• Perform research utilizing state-of-the-art mass spectrometry analytical equipment/facilities, particularly focusing on gas chromatography-mass spectometry for small molecule metabolite analyses that includes standard quadrupole and OrbiTrap instruments in a professional environment with excellent technical support.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. within the last five years in molecular biology, plant biology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field is required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in metabolite analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and/or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and/or NMR. 
• Demonstrated lab bench experience and knowledge of techniques applicable to metabolite analysis and data processing. 
• Organic synthesis skills
• Relevant publication record
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to work in a team

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdocrecruiting@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 extraordinary 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.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional 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

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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.