Postdoctoral Research Associate- Watershed Environmental Biogeochemistry

Requisition Id 14420 

Overview:

The Watershed Dynamics and Evolution (WaDE) project within the Environmental Sciences Division (ESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in environmental (bio)geochemistry. This researcher will investigate biogeochemical processes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on how metals and nutrients are transported and transformed across stream networks.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• The candidate will directly support the WaDE Science Focus Area (https://wade.ornl.gov/). The objective of the WaDE project is to advance predictive understanding of how dominant processes controlling watershed hydro-biogeochemistry operate under a range of hydrologic regimes and vary along stream networks that drain heterogeneous land cover.
• This postdoctoral researcher will evaluate the function of non-perennial headwater streams and work collaboratively to understand how non-perennial streams influence downstream processes.
• Potential areas of research include concentration-discharge patterns of solutes and particles, detailed characterization of transported materials, and/or interactions between stream solutes and aquatic microorganisms.
• Independently and collaboratively leading field and laboratory studies.
• Maintaining detailed scientific records, analyzing experimental data, presenting results within the research group and at national and international conferences, and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Maintaining a safe work environment in compliance with safety guidelines.
• Promoting a constructive and respectful work environment.
• Delivering ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by encouraging a respectful workplace.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in Geosciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, or a related field with a strong focus on hydro-biogeochemistry or terrestrial biogeochemistry, completed within the last 5 years.
• A strong record of independent and productive research, as indicated by conference presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a large multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to design and implement experiments, perform data analyses, and interpret experimental results.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interdisciplinary and systems-level approach to science.
• Experience conducting field work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with application of spectroscopy and/or other analytical techniques to grand challenges in environmental research.

 

Contact for Position: Dr. Elizabeth Herndon (herndonem@ornl.gov)

 

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.

 

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can 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.

 

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