Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow, focusing on advancing soil carbon sequestration strategies at RESTOR-C, a new Energy Earthshot Research Center. Conduct cutting-edge research to understand and enhance the persistence of plant inputs in soil, collaborating with experts in soil science, (bio)geochemistry, plant science, microbiology, modeling, and life-cycle analysis. Responsibilities include soil sampling, radiocarbon dating, metabolomic analysis, and synthesizing chemical and physical-chemical data. Join a multidisciplinary team at two national laboratories and four universities. You will be working with Margaret Torn and Trent Northen. Ample opportunities for research integration, carbon dioxide removal monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes.

What You Will Do:

• Based on the RESTOR-C proposal, team discussions, and your understanding of biogeochemical principles and literature, develop hypotheses and experimental designs (field and lab) for testing them. 
• Plan, coordinate, and execute fieldwork campaigns, for initial soil sampling and testing strategies.
• Characterize soils in the field, and sample soils, and follow up with laboratory analyses. 
• Measure isotopic composition (13C, 14C, 15N) of soil, soil gas, and soil fluxes. 
• Conduct laboratory analyses such as soil fractionation, elemental analysis and soil properties. 
• Work closely with the Northen Lab and other Divisions of RESTOR-C, to isolate or identify persistent soil organic matter and its biological sources.
• Communicate regularly with the RESTOR-C team. 
• Write and maintain field sampling and laboratory protocols; Organize and manage field and laboratory data sets. 
• Publish results of research and give presentations at scientific meetings. 
• Contribute to grant proposals and progress reports.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Contribute to life cycle analysis and sustainability analysis. 
• Contribute to development and evaluation of practical MMRV frameworks for soil-based CDR. 
• Contribute to studying field trials of new sequestration mechanisms. 
• Share technical laboratory and field expertise with collaborators in interdisciplinary teams. 
• Contribute to measurement and analysis of microbial carbon use efficiency and microbial community response.

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in soil science, biogeochemistry, ecology, earth sciences, or related field. 
• Fieldwork experience in soil biogeochemistry, including soil sampling. 
• Expertise in (bio)geochemistry and soil science. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate with multiple project investigators and team members; demonstrated communication skills. 
• Expertise in relevant types of laboratory analyses as well as processing soil for biogeochemical analysis. 
• Ability to manage data sets and perform quality control for outliers and instrument problems. 
• Committed to safe and inclusive working conditions, in the field and lab. 
• Familiarity with principles of carbon dioxide removal and soil carbon sequestration. 
• Familiarity with concepts of MMRV for CDR. 
• Experience monitoring microclimate. 
• Proficiency in R, Matlab, or other software for handling and organizing data.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with field work in managed ecosystems.
• Experience with laboratory experiments such as incubations.
• Experience in modeling soil biogeochemical cycling.
• Experience with monitoring, verification, and reporting for carbon dioxide removal.

Desired start date is May 1, 2024 but earlier or later start dates will be considered. Apply by March 20, 2024 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background in 1-2 pages.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume, including publication list.
• PDFs of 1-3 of your relevant publications.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $6,479 - $7,507 and is expected to start at $6,479 or above. 
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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