Postdoctoral Research Associate - Fungal Systems and Genetics

Requisition ID: 17304

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. The successful candidate will be part of the Synthetic Biology section and will contribute to a Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project focused on developing bio-enabled approaches for critical mineral accessibility and recovery.

In this position, you will investigate the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying fungal interactions with lithium-bearing minerals and other critical-material systems. Research will emphasize genetically tractable non-model fungal organisms, including the development and application of genome engineering approaches to identify and functionally characterize genes and pathways associated with mineral interactions, stress tolerance, elemental partitioning, and related phenotypes. The work will integrate fungal genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, functional genomics, and phenotypic characterization.

You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and technical staff at ORNL and collaborate with researchers spanning biological, chemical, and materials sciences. Responsibilities will include designing and executing laboratory experiments, developing and applying genetic tools for fungal systems, analyzing quantitative and multi-omics data, interpreting and communicating research findings, and preparing results for publication and presentation to the scientific community.

Responsibilities

• Perform research in microbial systems and genetics to investigate and engineer biological functions
• Work with a diverse team of scientists
• Interface directly with internal and external partners in various disciplines
• Present research results at national scientific meetings
• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Participate in project planning and execution
• Work with staff to develop new proposals
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• 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 and 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

• Ph.D. in fungal genetics, microbiology, mycology, molecular biology, or a related field
• Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment
• Appointment length up to 24 months with potential for extension (subject to performance and availability of funding)
• Real ID compliant form of identification required for employment at ORNL
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by HSPD-12 and DOE Order 473.1A, requiring a favorable post-employment background investigation (Federal Tier 1 background check including declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year)
• Foreign national candidates: if not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, not eligible for PIV credential and must obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination; PIV credential required once three-year residency requirement is met
• Three letters of reference required when applying

Qualifications

• 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

For additional information, contact Dr. Joanna Tannous (ORNL staff profile).