Wetland Plant-Microbial-Soil Interactions Postdoctoral Researcher

Physics World; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned research institution in the United Kingdom seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to study biogeochemical cycling and plant-microbe interactions in wetlands. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate strong research abilities. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, using advanced techniques, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals. Full-time on-site presence is required. Competitive salary offered.

Benefits

Flexible Benefits Package

401(k)

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Study biogeochemical cycling and plant-microbe interactions in wetlands.
• Use isotope tracing and biogeochemical techniques to investigate interactions.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings.

Skills

Microbial Ecology

Plant Biology

Soil Biogeochemistry

Ecosystem Science

Molecular Techniques

Statistical Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in related field

Tools

PCR

Metatranscriptomics

Metabolomics

Stable Isotope Techniques

Job description

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 of researchers 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.

You will

• 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 the field of 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 you with your research.
• Collaborate with Wetland SFA team members and technical personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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.

Qualifications We Desire

• 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

Additional Information

• LI-Onsite

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.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• 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)
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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 process does not apply to foreign nationals.

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The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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