Wetland Plant-Microbial-Soil Interactions - Postdoctoral Researcher

Wetland Plant-Microbial-Soil Interactions - Postdoctoral Researcher

Entry Level | Full-time

Postdoctoral/Fellowship | Livermore, CA | 01/30/2026

Reference #: REF
7894H

Job Code: PDS.
1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1

Organization: Physical and Life Sciences

Position Type: Post Doctoral

Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)

Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)

Medical Exam: Not applicable Apply Now

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a team of researchers studying plant-microbial-soil interactions in wetlands. This project is part of the Wetland Function and Resilience Scientific Focus Area ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) and seeks to understand and improve model representation of biogeochemical cycling in terrestrial wetlands. You will interrogate plant-microbe interactions in the soil using isotope tracing under controlled greenhouse conditions in combination with biogeochemistry and ‘omics analyses.

This opportunity is in the Environmental Isotope Systems group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences (NACS) Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Study biogeochemical cycling and plant-microbe interactions in wetlands and other terrestrial ecosystems.
• Use 13C tracing, stable isotope probing, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and novel greenhouse mesocosms to answer unresolved questions in the field of wetland plant-microbe interactions.
• Quantify and identify carbon sources and pathways that contribute to biological carbon dioxide and methane emissions using carbon isotopic techniques.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research.
• Manage technicians and interns who will assist you with your research.
• Collaborate with Wetland SFA team members and technical personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Microbial Ecology, Plant Biology, Soil Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Science, or related field.
• Experience conducting terrestrial plant-microbial ecology studies in laboratory, field, or greenhouse settings.
• Experience with microbial bioinformatics and community statistical analysis.
• Experience with wet-lab molecular (e.g., DNA or RNA extraction, PCR) or biogeochemical techniques
• Demonstrated ability as an independent and innovative experimentalist.
• Publication record in the peer-reviewed literature reflecting intellectual leadership and scientific creativity
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working with wetland plants and/or microbes.
• Experience analyzing ‘omics datasets (metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomics).
• Experience with stable isotope and isotopic tracing techniques.
• Experience with trace gas analysis.

Pay

$123,048 Annually

#LI-Onsite

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

• Included in 2026
  
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• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.