Overview

The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.

Responsibilities

The Soil Ecosystems Team in the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Post Masters Research Assistant in soil science, terrestrial ecology, microbiology, biogeochemistry, mycology, plant-microbe interactions or a related field. We are seeking a high-caliber research assistant to contribute with ongoing soil, plant and mycorrhizal fungal experiments and to support general lab management.

Work involves a variety of opportunities including preparing media and solutions, sample collection (cultures, soil, sediments, plants, etc.), assisting with multi-omics sample preparation (e.g. DNA, RNA, protein, lipids, metabolites), biogeochemical analyses, plant growth maintenance, autoclaving, fieldwork and laboratory maintenance. Applicants with experience working in soil microbiology and interactions between plants, mycorrhizal fungi and soil microbes are encouraged to apply. The position will interface with advanced research in soil ecology, plant-microbe interactions, mycorrhizal ecology and mass-spectrometry based omic (metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics) and will focus on dentification of novel compounds produced and exchanged between microbial community members and the environment. The position aligns with the following BSD Strategic Science Objectives: identify molecular dark matter and elucidate its functions and impacts, and identify control points for manipulating multi-scale systems.

PNNL is a leading center for scientific discovery in chemistry, biology, data analytics, earth science, and for technological innovation in sustainable energy and national security. Within PNNL, the Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in four core areas: Biological Sciences, Environmental Molecular Sciences, Global Change, and Atmospheric and Climate Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are elevating the science behind PNNL's mission to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security. The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) is an organization of about 220 staff and is one of four divisions within EBSD. Our researchers study the phenotypes of multi-scale biological systems to understand how their integrated components function and respond to change. BSD is structured into four technically focused groups: (1) Translational Omics, (2) Structure, Function Design, (3) Multi-scale Systems Science, and (4) Computational Biology. The success of BSD is enabled by its broad research portfolio and multi-disciplinary workforce in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, earth science, biomedical science, molecular measurement science, computational biology, statistics, and software engineering. The division thrives on collaborative team science. By harnessing a diverse range of skills and perspectives, our team is equipped to identify biology-based solutions to address challenges in ecosystem science, the bioeconomy, human health, and biodefense.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have received a Master’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.Preferred Qualifications:

Background in microbiology, soil and plant science, mycorrhizal fungi or a closely related field.

Highly organized and be able to independently execute experiments within their field of expertise.

Experience with lab-based culturing of mycorrhizal fungi (e.g. in soil microcosms and bi-compartmented petri-plates), fundamental microbiology techniques (e.g. media preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, cloning, etc.) and soil biogeochemical analyses (e.g. total C, N, respiration, microbial biomass, MAOM/POM fractionation etc.).

Ability to follow verbal instructions and detailed written protocols is crucial.

Attention to detail during sample handling subsequent data entry, an ability to bring tasks to completion, and detailed notes in a laboratory notebook are key.

The successful candidate will be expected to collaboratively develop novel ideas and methods for applications relevant to internal and externally funded programs.

The successful candidate will contribute to and may lead the preparation of reports, papers, posters, presentations, etc.

MS in microbiology, molecular biology, soil science, chemical and biomolecular engineering or relevant field.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable

Additional Information

Not applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $67,800.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $78,500.00/Yr.