Terrestrial Biogeochemistry Research Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Climate & Ecosystems Division is seeking a dynamic Research Associate to contribute to cutting-edge research in soil carbon cycling and terrestrial biogeochemistry. Join our interdisciplinary team of scientists and postdocs as we delve into the complexities of the Belowground Biogeochemistry SFA project.

What You Will Do:

• Participate in fieldwork, collaborating closely with scientists on intensive campaigns.
• Sample soil, vegetation, and air at field sites, with occasional overnight stays.
• Process soil and vegetation samples in the lab, conducting elemental and isotopic analyses.
• Assist with laboratory tasks, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and safety.
• Train and oversee undergraduate students, maintaining quality control.
• Compile and generate metadata for long-term datasets.
• Support research staff and collaborators, adhering diligently to protocols.
• Assist in diagnosing and fixing instrument problems, maintaining field site infrastructure.
• Maintain lab records, inventory, and supplies.
• Help develop and document field and lab protocols.
• Contribute to a safety culture, embodying LBL’s values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability.
• Review literature for methods.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) and work experience in biogeochemistry, soil science, environmental engineering, Earth sciences or related fields.
• Research experience in biogeochemistry, soil science, ecology, or related fields.
• Experience collecting samples and data in terrestrial ecosystems.
• Experience processing ecological samples for biogeochemical analysis, such as soil splitting, sieving, and freeze-drying, and with preparing samples for elemental or isotopic analysis.
• Ability to use instruments for measuring ecosystem processes and fluxes, including running, calibrating, and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation and sensors.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technical skills and protocols quickly.
• Demonstrated data-management skills, including ability to assess data quality.
• Ability to organize and perform work on multiple projects at one time, and to deliver on short and long time scales.
• Availability to travel for up to a week at a time.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative teams and good interpersonal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience collecting samples for, and laboratory analysis of, natural abundance isotope samples for terrestrial environments
• Experience monitoring microclimate.
• Experience with manipulative experiments.
• Awareness of DOE and Berkeley Lab context and strategies for our work.
• Knowledge of ecological measurements and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of terrestrial ecosystems and sampling of plants and soil.
• Proficiency in Excel, R, Matlab, or other software for handling and organizing data.
• Knowledge in basic statistics.

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 (the position will remain open until filled):

• 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.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The hiring hourly range for this position is $24.46- $37.88. Salary for this position is based on a step schedule and the final candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience (if applicable, and union contract agreement).
• 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.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

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. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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