Postdoctoral Research Associate - Plant Systems Biology

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Biosciences Division of ORNL (https://) has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to conduct basic research on plant genes and phenotypes that are foundational to developing sustainable biomass feed stocks.

You will join a team of diverse, inter-disciplinary scientific and technical staff working to characterize and understand the variation in plant phenotypic traits and response to stresses and link these to genetic information under the Center for Bioenergy Innovation project ().

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

You will be positioned in the Plant Systems Biology Group, which is undertaking broad, integrated approaches to enhance fundamental understanding of genetic controls of plant productivity, biomass quality and resilience using bioenergy-relevant plants. The specific project will be within the Center for Bioenergy Innovation which seeks to improve biomass characteristics in the bioenergy crop Populus via genetic engineering, genome editing and genomic selection as part of research tasks in the poplar team.

You will have access to state-of-the-art technologies including the Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory (https://).

• Perform phenotypic characterizations of transgenic and genome-edited lines in poplar and other model or bioenergy plants
• Perform molecular and biochemical assays to determine protein-DNA binding and protein-protein interactions
• Perform physiological assays to determine photosynthesis-related parameters and traits
• Design experiment and perform omics analysis (transcriptomics, metabolomics and proteomics)
• Participate in field trips to collect data and samples
• Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• Present research progress in project meetings and national/international conferences
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in plant biology or related fields, completed within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques
• Experience with plant physiological assays (e.g., LiCOR-based measurements)
• Experience in omics data analysis (e.g., analysis of transcriptomics data)
• Experience working with woody perennial plant systems
• Effective writing and communication skills with a strong publication record
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance evaluation and the availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdoc recruitment with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

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