Coastal Biogeochemistry Postdoc: Plant-Soil Dynamics

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in Coastal Biogeochemistry. This role examines how plant traits and soil properties influence resilience of coastal wetlands across inundation and salinity gradients along the Gulf Coast.

The position combines field campaigns, lab mesocosm experiments, and collaboration with modelers and empiricists to advance AI‑assisted understanding of plant–microbial–soil interactions and ecosystem responses.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last 5 years or expected soon.
• Strong record of conference presentations or peer‑reviewed publications.
• Ability to work independently and in a large multidisciplinary team.
• Proven ability to design and implement experiments, perform data analyses, and interpret results.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead field campaigns to collect plant material, soil cores, and soil water from coastal wetlands.
• Lead a laboratory mesocosm experiment linking phenotyping with geochemical and microbial measurements.
• Utilize lab equipment and software such as Picarro G2508, Rhizovision Explorer, Shimadzu TOC-L, ICP‑MS/OES, and Aqualog.
• Collaborate with modelers and empiricists across disciplines to meet project objectives.
• Present results at group meetings and national/international conferences; publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Align activities with ORNL values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Plant–soil interactions

Field research

Experiment design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences or related field

Tools

Picarro G2508

Rhizovision Explorer

Shimadzu TOC-L

ICP-MS/OES

Aqualog (EEMS/UV-Vis)

Job description

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in Coastal Biogeochemistry. This role examines how plant traits and soil properties influence resilience of coastal wetlands across inundation and salinity gradients along the Gulf Coast.

The position combines field campaigns, lab mesocosm experiments, and collaboration with modelers and empiricists to advance AI‑assisted understanding of plant–microbial–soil interactions and ecosystem responses.