Wildfire & Soil Biogeochemistry Postdoctoral Scholar

Berkeley Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Geosciences Division is seeking an innovative Postdoctoral researcher to investigate soil biogeochemistry and vegetation recovery in Sierra forests impacted by fire under current and future climate warming scenarios. The postdoc will contribute to the design and installation of a cutting-edge soil micro-warming experiment to be deployed right after a fire, and will advance the mechanistic understanding of the impacts of wildfire and soil warming on below ground biogeochemistry and vegetation recovery. The research will focus on carbon and trace-element cycling and organo-mineral associations as well as regrowth of existing vegetation and germination of added tree seeds or survival of planted seedlings. Vegetation recovery will be interpreted in the context of observed changes in soil properties. The postdoc will use field and laboratory measurements (including synchrotron-based characterization techniques) to study the effects of fire and warming on soil properties, geochemistry, and the physical-chemical states of organic matter. 

Join our dynamic research team of experts in soil biogeochemistry, plant and microbial ecology, geochemistry, and Earth system modeling. The primary advisor is Jasquelin Pena. If you are passionate about soil biogeochemistry, molecular environmental science, and fire ecology, and excited about fieldwork, we encourage you to apply.

What You Will Do:

• Establish a soil micro-warming experiment in a recently burned landscape, with a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and pursue new research questions and innovative techniques related to soils and plant-soil interactions.
• Monitor soil temperature and moisture in the experimental field plots 
• Quantify changes in soil chemistry, mineralogy, and carbon cycling, including trace gas fluxes.
• Conduct vegetation surveys and analyze analyze seed success and plant tissue chemistry
• Communicate research outcomes in scientific publications and presentations.
• Set up, operate, and maintain field and laboratory instruments.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in soil science, biogeochemistry, earth sciences, fire ecology or a related field.
• Expertise in biogeochemistry.
• Proficiency in handling moderate-to-large datasets and applying statistical analyses.
• Relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience with fieldwork.
• Ability to spend multiple days per month at a field site, including overnight stays.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in R, python, Matlab, or equivalent software for efficient data handling and organization.
• Familiarity with manipulative experiments.
• Experience with molecular-scale analyses of soil carbon and metals.
• Capabilities for teamwork and independent work.

We will begin reviewing applications on January 6, 2024. Please submit your complete application with the following materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background in 1-2 pages.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list
• PDFs of 1-3 of your relevant publications
• Contact information for three references

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,476.00 - $8,619 and is expected to start at $6,476.00 or above. Postdoc positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D postdoctoral and/or related research experience.
• This position is 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.
• As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility 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.

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