Postdoctoral Research Associate, Biogeochemistry

Purpose

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a multidisciplinary project improving models of Arctic permafrost thawing and warming effects on soil organic matter degradation and greenhouse gas production.

Major Duties / Responsibilities

The researcher will help design, execute and analyze experiments to simulate Arctic redox biogeochemistry and predict the decomposition potential for thawed organic matter. These collaborative studies will improve model structure and develop critical datasets for parameterization and validation. The researcher will also contribute to synthesizing understanding of SOM decomposition and GHG production in a warming Arctic at ecosystem scale. She or he will be expected to lead and contribute to publications and present results at conferences and program meetings.

Research in this area will include both laboratory-based experiments and Alaskan field sampling and measurements. The researcher will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of ecological and biogeochemistry modelers, microbiologists, geochemists, hydrologists, and cryosphere researchers to develop and parameterize quantitative models of organic matter decomposition in a range of redox conditions.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in environmental analytical chemistry, geochemistry, geomicrobiology, biogeochemical modeling, reactive transport simulations or a related field is required.

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.

The following skills are required for this position:

• Advanced quantitative skills
• A strong publication record, effective writing and presentation skills
• Familiarity with terrestrial redox processes or biogeochemistry

The following skills are preferred for this position:

• Chromatography or spectroscopy to measure biogeochemical processes
• Field work and organization
• Experience in biogeochemical reaction modeling
• Soil organic matter characterization and transformation

Remarks

For additional information please see:

• Next Generation Ecosystem Experiments in the Arctic Project: http://ngee.ornl.gov
• Or contact David Graham (grahamde@ornl.gov)

Appointments will initially be for 24 months with a possibility of an extension of up to 12 months. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding