Requisition Id 15408

­­Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (https://www.ornl.gov/) 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. The Biosciences Division of ORNL (https://www.ornl.gov/bsd) has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to conduct basic research on plant genes and phenotypes that are foundational to developing sustainable biomass feedstocks. You will join a team of diverse, inter-disciplinary scientific and technical staff working to characterize and understand the variation in plant phenotypic traits and response to stresses and link these to genetic information under the Center for Bioenergy Innovation project (https://cbi.ornl.gov/).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

You will be positioned in the Plant Systems Biology Group, which is undertaking broad, integrated approaches to enhance fundamental understanding of genetic controls of plant productivity, biomass quality and resilience using bioenergy-relevant plants. The specific project will be within the Center for Bioenergy Innovation which seeks to improve biomass characteristics in the bioenergy crop Populus via genetic engineering, genome editing and genomic selection as part of research tasks in the poplar team. You will have access to state-of-the-art technologies including the Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory (https://www.ornl.gov/appl).

• Perform phenotypic characterizations of transgenic and genome-edited lines in poplar and other model or bioenergy plants
• Perform molecular and biochemical assays to determine protein-DNA binding and protein-protein interactions
• Perform physiological assays to determine photosynthesis-related parameters and traits
• Design experiment and perform omics analysis (transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics)
• Participate in field trips to collect data and samples
• Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• Present research progress in project meetings and national/international conferences
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in plant biology or related fields, completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Experience with plant physiological assays (e.g., LiCOR-based measurements)
• Experience in biochemical assays (e.g., protein-DNA binding, protein-protein interaction)
• Experience in omics data analysis (e.g., analysis of transcriptomics data)
• Experience working with woody perennial plant systems
• Effective writing and communication skills with a strong publication record
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Special Requirements:

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 evaluation and the availability of funding.

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

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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.