Wetland Plant-Microbial-Soil Interactions - Postdoctoral Researcher

Overview

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World! Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas: nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow.

With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team studying plant–microbial–soil interactions in wetlands. This project is part of the Wetland Function and Resilience Scientific Focus Area and seeks to understand and improve model representation of biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial wetlands. You will interrogate plant–microbe interactions in the soil using isotope tracing under controlled greenhouse conditions in combination with biogeochemistry and ‘omics analyses.

This opportunity is in the Environmental Isotope Systems group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences (NACS) Division. This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

• Study biogeochemical cycling and plant–microbe interactions in wetlands and other terrestrial ecosystems.
• Use 13C tracing, stable isotope probing, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and novel greenhouse mesocosms to answer unresolved questions in wetland plant–microbe interactions.
• Quantify and identify carbon sources and pathways that contribute to biological carbon dioxide and methane emissions using carbon isotopic techniques.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research.
• Manage technicians and interns who will assist with the research.
• Collaborate with Wetland SFA team members and technical personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Microbial Ecology, Plant Biology, Soil Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Science, or related field.
• Experience conducting terrestrial plant–microbial ecology studies in laboratory, field, or greenhouse settings.
• Experience with microbial bioinformatics and community statistical analysis.
• Experience with wet-lab molecular (e.g., DNA or RNA extraction, PCR) or biogeochemical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability as an independent and innovative experimentalist.
• Publication record in the peer‑reviewed literature reflecting intellectual leadership and scientific creativity.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.

• Experience working with wetland plants and/or microbes.
• Experience analyzing ‘omics datasets (metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomics).
• Experience with stable isotope and isotopic tracing techniques.
• Experience with trace gas analysis.

Pay
$123,048 Annually

Position Information
This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Our values – visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-values

Security Clearance
None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. This does not apply to foreign nationals.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
The 2025 NDAA, Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of certain countries from…