Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

The Biological Systems Design Group in the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fungal systems and genetics. This role is part of a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project focused on developing bio-enabled approaches for critical mineral accessibility and recovery. The research will investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying fungal interactions with lithium-bearing minerals and other critical-material systems. Emphasis will be placed on genetically tractable non-model fungal organisms, including the development and application of genome engineering approaches to identify and functionally characterize genes and pathways associated with mineral interactions, stress tolerance, elemental partitioning, and related phenotypes. The work will integrate fungal genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, functional genomics, and phenotypic characterization. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with researchers spanning biological, chemical, and materials sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform research in microbial systems and genetics to investigate and engineer biological functions.
• Work with a diverse team of scientists and interface directly with internal and external partners in various disciplines.
• Present research results at national scientific meetings and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in project planning and execution, and assist in developing new proposals.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Acquire and analyze data in keeping with project scheduling.
• Take a position of leadership for day-to-day laboratory operations while addressing all of ORNL's environmental health and safety requirements.
• Self-assess experimental research skill set and identify weaknesses, securing learning resources to address these issues.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Expertise in fungal systems and genetics.
• Experience with genome engineering approaches.
• Integration of fungal genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, functional genomics, and phenotypic characterization.
• Skills in designing and executing laboratory experiments.
• Ability to develop and apply genetic tools for fungal systems.
• Proficiency in analyzing quantitative and multi-omics data.
• Strong interpretative and communication skills for research findings.
• Ability to prepare results for publication and presentation.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications:
• A Ph.D. in fungal genetics, microbiology, mycology, molecular biology, or a related field is required.
• Applicants cannot have received their most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with manipulating filamentous fungi.
• Experience with developing gene editing tools for non-domesticated fungal species.
• Experience with synthetic biology tools for fungi.
• Experience with designing vectors for versatile gene manipulation in fungi.
• Experience generating and analyzing large datasets.
• Effective writing and presentation skills, demonstrated by a strong publication record from previous research.
• Desire to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven publication record.

Appointment Details

• This is a temporary 24-month position with the potential for extension, subject to performance and funding availability.
• A Real ID compliant form of identification will be required for employment.
• All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Foreign national candidates not residing in the U.S. for three consecutive years will need a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination and will be required to obtain a PIV credential once residency requirements are met.
• Submit three letters of reference when applying.