Postdoctoral Appointee - X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Soils

The mission of the Biosciences Division at Argonne National Laboratory is to conduct multidisciplinary research on fundamental biogeochemical processes related to environmental microbiology, microbial communities and dynamics, and microbial evolution. The Molecular Environmental Science and Biogeochemical Process Group focusses its research efforts on developing a mechanistic understanding of coupled hydrologic and biogeochemical processes in aquatic, near surface, and subsurface systems.

We invite you to apply for a Postdoctoral Appointee position within the Molecular Environmental Science and Biogeochemical Process Group to work on multi-institution projects funded by the United States Department of Energy and related to its mission to enhance the predictive understanding of terrestrial-aquatic and wetland systems.

Research focuses on how the coupled interactions of waters, soils, and plants drive the fluxes and microbial transformations of carbon, nutrients, critical materials, and redox-active elements such as Fe and S. Field site activities focus on the Cottonwood Lake Study Area (CLSA) within the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), the Old Woman Creek field site near Lake Erie, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center at Chesapeake Bay.

We seek persons with expertise in the application of synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy to problems in Environmental Chemistry, Biogeochemistry, or Soil Science. Skill in the operation of the equipment necessary for these techniques (e.g., knowledge of x-ray optics and beam line setup procedures) and in the analysis of x-ray absorption spectroscopy data is a must. Applicants must have strong communication skills (written and oral) and have the ability to work within an integrated multidisciplinary scientific research group and with scientists from a variety of scientific backgrounds, such as microbiology, chemistry, x-ray physics, hydrology, geochemistry, soil science, and computer modeling.

In this role you can expect to:

• Apply synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy to study the mechanisms governing biogeochemical transformations in wetland systems
• Develop and apply microcosm- and column-based approaches in the laboratory to test the impact of multiple environmental conditions
• Collect samples from field research sites
• Create samples in the lab, participate in synchrotron experiments at DOE national user facilities, and analyze data
• Participate in interdisciplinary discussions aimed at the design of new experiments
• Report on results of research including publishing scholarly papers in scientific journals, giving presentations at conferences, meetings, and seminars
• Participate in the preparation of reports and proposals required by funding agencies to obtain and continue funding support.

Position Requirements

• Recently completed PhD within the last 0-5 years
• Knowledge and skills in the application of synchrotron x-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques
• Experience in biogeochemical or soil-based systems is preferred, will also consider candidates with catalysis or redox-chemistry backgrounds
• Skill conceiving experiments and studies to develop new knowledge in environmental biogeochemistry
• Skill developing laboratory procedures and protocols for new experiments designed to test scientific hypotheses
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Skill in working as part of a team and ability to work independantly
• Organizational and prioritization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork
  

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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