Post Doctorate RA – River Corridor Biogeochemistry​ (10279)

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.

Responsibilities

 

​​Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (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. The laboratory is a leading center for scientific discovery in chemistry, biology, data analytics, earth science, and for technological innovation in sustainable energy and national security for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors. Within PNNL, the Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in four core areas: Biological Sciences, Environmental Molecular Sciences, Global Change, and Atmospheric and Climate Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are elevating the science 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, 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. 

Terrestrial Aquatic Integration Team within the Multiscale Systems Science Group is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral research associate with a strong background centered around aquatic and/or terrestrial biogeochemistry. Experience working in teams and with laboratory and data analysis methods in environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry and/or river corridor hydro-biogeochemistry is required. Specific experience with (1) sediment- or soil-based nutrient amendment experiments, (2) analytical instruments (e.g., Ion chromatograph, C/N analyzers), (3) scripting (e.g., R, Python), and/or (4) field and laboratory methods in river corridor hydro-biogeochemistry is desired. Specific job duties will vary depending on the candidate background, and may include field work along the Yakima River Basin in Washington State. Candidates with expertise in one or more of elements summarized above are encouraged to apply. 

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​The candidate will join the Terrestrial Aquatic Integration Team and contribute to activities related to interdisciplinary projects focused on river corridor hydrobiogeochemistry from molecular to multi-basin scales. The projects are comprised of large, interdisciplinary teams and coordinate large-scale field efforts across sites and institutions. This approach requires significant planning, organization, coordination, and communication. The candidate must have strong communication, organizational, and laboratory skills. Responsibilities will include the design and implementation of model-inspired field and lab efforts using diverse methods (e.g., sensors, sampling, in situ experimentation, and advanced analytical instruments). The candidate will also contribute to data management, analysis, and interpretation and be part of a team using the outcomes to generate peer reviewed publications. Candidates will be expected to contribute to peer-reviewed publications and engage in open science.    

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​This is a full-time position anticipated to last 3 years (contingent on performance) starting in the Spring of 2025. 

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:

• ​​​Advanced data analysis skills and experience scripting in R and/or Python.
• ​Tangible experience designing, leading, and implementing complex laboratory experiments.
• ​Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing and ability to publish significant contributions in the peer reviewed scientific literature.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct work both independently and in teams.
• ​Demonstrated skills in general laboratory activities (e.g., making solutions, pipetting, measuring small volumes and weights) and basic biogeochemistry techniques (e.g., chromatography, carbon, and nitrogen analyses).
• Strong interest in team-based interdisciplinary science, with the willingness and ability to work independently when required.​​
• PhD in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Chemistry, Biogeosciences, or related field.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

 

​​No special conditions apply​. This position will include general biogeochemical laboratory responsibilities. 

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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

 

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

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. 

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

 

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.

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.