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.

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 work with staff to develop new proposals.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records and 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, identify weaknesses, and secure 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.
• Emphasis on genetically tractable non-model fungal organisms.
• Development and application of genome engineering approaches.
• Integration of fungal genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, functional genomics, and phenotypic characterization.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

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.
• 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

• Temporary 24-month position with the potential for extension based on performance and funding availability.
• Requires a Real ID compliant form of identification.
• Subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions and ability to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Requires a favorable post-employment background investigation, including a Federal Tier 1 background check.
• Foreign national candidates not residing in the U.S. for three consecutive years require a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination.
• Three letters of reference are required.