Algal Microbiome Ecology - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

Job Description

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on algae-microbe metabolic interactions and symbiosis using microbial physiology, meta-omics and isotope tracing techniques. The goal of the project is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the systems level resource allocation consequences of microscale symbioses between microbes and bioenergy-relevant algal crops. This position is in the Environmental Isotope Systems Group in the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

You will

• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to address questions in sustainable bioenergy, microbial ecology, and host-microbe interactions.
• Conduct experiments with heterotrophic microbes (bacteria, archaea, fungi) in symbiotic relationships with algae.
• Characterize the mechanisms of metabolic exchange and chemical warfare between microbes and algae using physiological measurements, genomic techniques, and advanced imaging including nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS).
• Perform sample and data analysis and interpret results.
• Document research, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology, microbial ecology, microbiology, oceanography, chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of microbial and/or algal metabolism.
• Experience with microbial cultivation (microalgae or macroalgae, fungi, bacteria, and/or archaea).
• Ability to perform independent research and use a scientific approach to solve problems.
• Effective ability to collaborate with a team of scientists of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to travel to coordinate research with collaborators.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Publication record in peer reviewed journals.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in microbial interaction research through controlled laboratory experiments or complex community manipulations.
• Experience in analysis of 16S rRNA community data and/or metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics, metabolomics, or other analytical methods (e.g. high resolution microscopy).
• Familiarity with isotope tracing methods (DNA-SIP or SIP-nanoSIMS) or computational methods (biogeochemical models, metabolic modeling).

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national