Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil Carbon Dynamics

Environmental Sciences Division
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, Tennessee

ORNL10-19-ESD

Project Description:

The Environmental Sciences Division (ESD), www.esd.ornl.gov, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), www.ornl.gov, has an immediate opening for a post doctoral research associate in soil carbon dynamics.

The post-doc will have the opportunity to design, execute, and analyze bench and field-scale experiments to better understand mechanisms controlling soil organic matter protection and stabilization. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated background and interest in plant root inputs to soil organic matter (SOM) pools, soil aggregate dynamics, and physio-chemical mechanisms that regulate carbon accrual in SOM fractions that range in chemistry and residence time. Process-level knowledge gained in these investigations will be incorporated into carbon models at local to global scales.

Responsibilities include data collection and analysis, interpretation, and publication of experimental and modeling results in high-visibility journals. Work will be conducted in collaboration with others having expertise in plant and microbial science, soil chemistry, carbon cycle science, and modeling. Preference will be given to applicants who have experience and interest in integration of soil dynamics across temporal and spatial scales. The applicant will join others engaged in climate change research as part of the Consortium for Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems (CSiTE; http://csite.esd.ornl.gov). The position will be based at ORNL in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. required in Soil Science, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science, or related field. Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

Technical Questions:

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Stan Wullschleger at wullschlegsd@ornl.gov. Please include the requisition number and title when corresponding.

How to Apply:

Qualified applicants must apply online at www2.orau.gov/ORNL_POST. All applicants will need to register before they can begin the online application. For complete instructions, on how to apply, please see the instructions at www.orau.gov/orise/edu/ornl/ornl-pdpm/application.htm.

This appointment is offered through the ORNL Postgraduate Research Participation Program and is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). The program is open to all qualified U.S. and non-U.S. citizens without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or disabled veteran.