Post Doctorate RA - Environmental Multi Omics (10449)

Overview
The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.

Within PNNL, the Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research behind PNNL's mission to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security. The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) is an organization of about 220 staff and is one of four divisions within EBSD. Our researchers study the phenotypes of multi-scale biological systems to understand how their integrated components function and respond to change. BSD is structured into four technically focused groups: (1) Translational Omics, (2) Structure, Function & Design, (3) Multiscale Systems Science, and (4) Computational Biology. The success of BSD is enabled by its broad research portfolio and highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary workforce in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth science, biomedical science, molecular measurement science, computational biology, statistics, and software engineering. By harnessing a diverse range of skills and perspectives, our team is equipped to identify biology-based solutions to address challenges in ecosystem science, the bioeconomy, human health, and biodefense. This position will support the Multiscale System Science Group’s Strategic Scientific Objective on identifying control points for manipulating multiscale systems.

Responsibilities
The Microbial Systems Dynamics Team within the Multiscale Systems Science Group is seeking a highly motivated Post Doctorate RA with a strong background in environmental biogeochemistry, microbiology, and/or bioinformatics. Specific experience in (1) analysis of multivariate data types including microbial ‘omics data and molecular properties of organic matter, (2) urban biogeochemistry and/or microbial ecology, and/or (3) data-model assimilation is desired. Strong teamwork and proficiency in R, Python, Matlab, or similar code-based statistical platforms is required. Specific job duties will vary depending on candidate background.

The candidate will join a project focused on understanding and modelling the response of coastal urban systems to environmental extremes. Over 70% of the world’s population is predicted to live in urban areas by the end of the century, yet the impacts of urbanization on ecosystem functions remain ambiguous. This contributes to high uncertainty in the representation of urban carbon (C) cycling within Earth Systems Models (ESMs), which in turn leads to imprecise predictions of the global climate. Our goal is to identify locations exerting strong impacts on biogeochemistry (i.e., control points) and then understand the interplay of molecular controls, nutrient supply, and hydrologic factors that fuel rapid microbial C processing at these locations, particularly in the context of extreme precipitation events. Ultimately, the project aims to generate a mechanistic framework of coastal urban C cycles that incorporates molecular-scale responses to nutrient loadings and precipitation and provides a basis for alleviating uncertainties in existing multiscale models.

The project consists of both laboratory and field-based approaches, in coordination with local and national collaborators. This approach requires significant planning, organization, coordination, and communication. The candidate must have strong communication and organizational skills. All candidates will be expected to generate peer-reviewed publications and engage in open science. Responsibilities may include a mix of laboratory experiments and data analysis. The balance of these responsibilities will be determined by the skills and interest of the applicant.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Computational Biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in high resolution organic matter chemistry and microbial sequence analysis
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) and experience in the bioinformatics of multiple multivariate data types.
• Proven track record of scientific writing and peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
• Familiar with data assimilation techniques and machine learning applications in environmental science.
• Enthusiastic about interdisciplinary and collaborative research settings.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not applicable. 

Additional Information
Not applicable. 

Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use.  Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.  To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.  

Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $119,100.00/Yr.