Laboratory Ecosystem Research Scientist

$79,176 - $126,696/Yr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - Berkeley, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Berkeley, CA

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology (EGSB) Division is seeking a Laboratory Ecosystem Research Scientist to conduct innovative research using fabricated ecosystems to study plant-microbe interactions. This role is pivotal in setting up, maintaining, and characterizing laboratory experiments aimed at gaining insights into beneficial interactions between plants and microbes, with a focus on sustainable agriculture. The successful candidate will employ community systems biology approaches to explore the complex interplay among plants, microbes, and their physico-chemical environments. By leveraging deep expertise in plant biology, environmental microbiology, metabolomics analysis, and data analysis, the scientist will uncover causal mechanisms that enhance nutrient flow within marginal soils. In this position, you will utilize fabricated ecosystems to investigate plant-microbe interactions, perform metabolomics analyses to study metabolite exchanges, and design experiments to identify factors influencing carbon and nutrient exchanges between plants and bacteria. You will also conduct statistical and computational analyses of metabolomic data, use stable isotopes for insights into bacterial impacts on plant nutrition, and collaborate with team members to develop implementation plans that outline timelines, procedures, expected outcomes, and risks. Participation in cross-team projects, presenting research at international conferences, and publishing findings in high-impact journals are also key components of this role. The anticipated start date for this position is October 1, 2024, and it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in the field of plant-microbe interactions, ultimately aiming to harness these interactions for sustainable agricultural practices.

Responsibilities

• Use fabricated ecosystems approaches for studying plant microbe interactions.
• Perform metabolomics analyses to investigate metabolite exchange between community members and identify plant exudates that sustain rhizosphere communities.
• Design and execute experiments to determine factors that mediate carbon and nutrient exchange between plants and bacteria.
• Perform statistical and computational analysis of metabolomic data.
• Use stable isotopes and computational analyses to gain insights into how bacteria alter plant nutritional requirements.
• Partner with group members and provide implementation plans that include timeline, procedures, expected outcomes, and risks.
• Participate in cross-team and cross-group collaborative projects.
• Present research at international conferences, publish in high-impact and peer-reviewed journals.
• Work independently, maintain appropriate records and manage data to ensure accessibility and replication of work.
• Assist the principal investigator to track, coordinate, manage program activities, and prepare reports and updates required to obtain/maintain funding.
• Drive projects to completion and publication.
• Direct the work of undergrads or research assistants as needed.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Plant Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field and minimum of 2 years of relevant experience studying plant-microbe interactions and working with fabricated ecosystems or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience analyzing metabolomic data using GNPS.
• At least one publication using fabricated ecosystems.
• Experience working with stable isotopes and making microbial isolations from diverse environments including soils.
• Experience growing Brachypodium in mesocosm systems and using omics approaches to study complex plant and soil microbiomes research including in situ metabolomics.
• Experience with LC-MS based metabolomic analysis and use of TOC analyzers.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Principal Investigators (PI's) while managing multiple projects in parallel.
• Strong analytical skills including experience identifying issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrated success in the publication of high-impact work in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience promoting and presenting scientific projects to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including experience collaborating with diverse teams of scientific, operations, and technical staff.

Nice-to-haves

• A Ph.D. in Plant Science, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating multi-laboratory microbiome studies.
• Experience with plant nutrition.
• Experience performing fieldwork including large-scale agricultural experiments.
• Training in Biostatistics using R.
• Experience serving as Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Experience training and directing the work of early career, technical support staff, and/or students.

Benefits

• Full-time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid) position.
• 2-year (benefits eligible) Career-Track Term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years.
• Salary range of $79,176 - $126,696 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.