Post-Masters/Post-Bachelors Research Associate – Microbial Ecology

Organization
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Reference Code
ORNL15-08-BSD
Description

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Biosciences Division (BSD) invites applications for a Post-Masters or Post-Bachelors research participant to assist with projects dealing with plant-microbe interactions in Populus spp. (http://pmi.ornl.gov) and peatland ecosystems undergoing experimental temperature manipulations (http://mnspruce.ornl.gov). The successful candidate will focus on advancing microbial community and metagenomic methods for understanding the microbial ecology of these systems.

The major duties and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

  • Independently performing laboratory techniques to characterize microbial community compositions and function using both culture-based methods and molecular approaches (e.g., DNA extraction, QPCR, rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing).
  • Performing periodic field work (including sample collection) at both local and remote locations.
  • Participating in experimental planning, data curation and analysis, and publications regarding the above work.
Qualifications

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s (in the past three years)  or Master’s degree (in the past five years ) in an area related to microbiology, molecular biology or ecology. All degree requirements must be completed before starting the appointment.

The successful candidate must have strong communication skills (verbal and written), and have excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work effectively in a team environment is important in this position, as the successful candidate will need to interact with a various technicians, postdoctoral associates, graduate students and research scientists from various disciplines.

Appointment will initial be one year with the possibility of renewal for up to two (for Post-Bachelor’s) or three (for Post-Master’s) additional years given satisfactory performance and continued availability of funding.

This appointment is offered through the ORNL Postgraduate Research Associates Program and is administered by ORAU through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). The program is open to all qualified U.S. and non-U.S. citizens without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or disabled veteran.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (13 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
Affirmation

I certify that I have completed coursework towards a degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.

ORAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability); visit the ORAU website for required employment notices.