Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL ) Climate and Ecosystem Sciences (CESD ) Division is seeking an enthusiastic  and innovative Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the controls of soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, and how they vary with climate warming and soil depth. This position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge grassland soil-warming experiment in California, as well as to ongoing research in a ponderosa pine forest.

Join our dynamic research team in Berkeley Lab's CESD Division, collaborating closely with expert scientists from multiple disciplines including biogeochemistry, microbiology, geochemistry, and modeling. Your work will contribute significantly to advancing the mechanistic understanding of soil biogeochemistry and its role in global change, and to improve Earth system models. If you are passionate about terrestrial biogeochemistry, excited about fieldwork, and eager to engage with modelers, we encourage you to apply.

 They will use different field and laboratory measurements (including isotopic techniques) to study the effect of warming, plant inputs, and microbial community on the transformation, mineralization, and de/stabilization of soil carbon, and plant-soil nitrogen cycling.   

What You Will Do:

• Help lead a whole-soil warming experiment, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team.

• Measure trace gas fluxes regularly and determine isotopic composition (13C, 14C, 15N) of soil, soil gas, and soil fluxes.

• Perform laboratory analyses forelemental analysis, microbial community, and soil properties.

• Develop new research questions and innovative techniques related to soils and plant-soil interactions.

• Disseminate research outcomes in publications and presentations at scientific gatherings.

• Set up and operate field and laboratory instruments.

• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Evaluate model structures and parameters, driving the enhancement of model capabilities.

• Participate in measuring and analyzing microbial carbon use efficiency and microbial community responses.

• Contribute to laboratory investigations concerning organo-mineral interactions.

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in ecology, soil science, biogeochemistry, earth sciences, or a related field.

• Expertise in biogeochemistry.

• Demonstrated experience in fieldwork.

• Proficiency in applying advanced statistical analyses.

• Relevant laboratory experience.

• Ability to spend multiple days per month at a field site, including overnight stays

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in R, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization.

• Background in modeling soil biogeochemical cycling.

• Familiarity with manipulative experiments.

• Experience monitoring microclimates.

• Strong teamwork and independent work capabilities.

The position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration, please apply by October 31, 2023 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background in 1-2 pages.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list

• Contact information for three references

Notes:

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience as of December 31, 2023.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,000.00,-$7,010.00 and is expected to start at $6,476.00 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• This position will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

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