Undergraduate/post-Bachelor Researcher in Microbiology and Environmental Science
Purpose The Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is offering a position for one undergraduate researcher to assist in a variety of lab-scale activities, with emphasis in microbiology. Your work will focus on soils, geochemistry, and microbial communities. Your research topics will be experimental in nature and will be designed to improve the model representation of microbial functions and geochemical interactions in soils. Previous experience in lab-scale work or analytical instrumentation is desired. Major Duties/Responsibilities You will have the opportunity to interact closely with a team of soil biogeochemists and modelers. The research will involve characterizing the soil microbial community through nucleic acid extractions and sequencing, and in making lab-scale measurements of greenhouse gas emissions and soil properties. You will have the opportunity to assist more senior researchers in sample preparation, preparing for and conducting experiments, analyzing samples, and other tasks. Come join our diverse team and bring your scientific passion to further our research efforts in environmental soil microbiology. Qualifications desired: • A real passion for understanding the natural world • Self-motivation and goal setting skills • Ability to work in a collaborative environment • Previous experience working in a laboratory setting • Experience with DNA extractions and microbial community analyses • Previous experience with analytical instrumentation • Completed or pursing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Biogeochemistry, Soil Science, or a related discipline Oak Ridge Associated Universities and Oak Ridge National Laboratory are inclusive environments where diversity is valued and individuals and teams are inspired to contribute fully to the organizations’ successes. We recognize the strength in diversity and especially encourage applications from people with backgrounds currently under-represented in science. How to apply: This position will be offered through Oak Ridge Associated Universities. To apply, please provide a CV and a short statement of interest to Dr. Melanie Mayes at [email protected]. Preferred candidates will start in January 2019.
