Biogeochemistry & Climate Change Postdoc

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Climate and Ecosystem Sciences (CESD) Division is seeking an innovative Postdoctoral researcher to investigate the controls of ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycling, and how these cycles are affected by climate warming and soil depth. You will contribute to a cutting-edge grassland soil-warming experiment in Point Reyes, California, and will advance the mechanistic understanding of below ground biogeochemistry and its role in global change. They will use field and laboratory measurements (including isotopic techniques) to study the effects of warming, soil depth, and plant inputs on the microbial transformation and de/stabilization of soil carbon and plant-soil nitrogen cycling.

Join our dynamic research team of experts in soil biogeochemistry, plant and microbial ecology, geochemistry, and Earth system modeling. The primary advisor is Margaret Torn. If you are passionate about terrestrial biogeochemistry, excited about fieldwork, and eager to engage with models, we encourage you to apply.

What You Will Do:

• Help lead a whole-soil warming experiment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and pursue new research questions and innovative techniques related to soils and plant-soil interactions.
• Quantify carbon and nitrogen cycling in the warming experiment, including trace gas fluxes.
• Measure and utilize elemental and isotopic (e.g., 13C, 14C, or 15N) composition of soil, plant, and/or gas samples.
• Communicate research outcomes in scientific publications and presentations.
• Set up, operate, and maintain field and laboratory instruments.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.

Additional Opportunities Depending on Postdoc Interest: 

• Evaluate model structures and parameters, contributing to the improvement of model capabilities.
• Participate in studies of plant physiological responses; proximal remote sensing; microbial carbon use efficiency and microbial community responses; or subsurface water and dissolved organic matter chemistry.
• Contribute to laboratory investigations of soil organic matter and organo-mineral interactions.

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in ecology, soil science, biogeochemistry, earth sciences, or a related field.
• Expertise in biogeochemistry.
• Demonstrated experience in fieldwork.
• Proficiency in handling moderate-to-large datasets and applying statistical analyses.
• Relevant laboratory experience.
• Ability to spend multiple days per month at a field site, including overnight stays.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in R, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization.
• Background in modeling soil biogeochemical cycling.
• Familiarity with manipulative experiments.
• Experience monitoring microclimates.
• Capabilities for teamwork and independent work.

We will begin reviewing applications on December 2, 2024. Please submit your complete application with the following materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background in 1-2 pages.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list
• PDFs of 1-3 of your relevant publications
• Contact information for three references

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2 years, 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.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,476.00 - $8,619 and is expected to start at $6,476.00 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be 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 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.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich 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.