Overview

The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL's science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.

Responsibilities

The Environmental Molecular Sciences Division seeks an X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) postdoc focused on CT imaging and data analysis of soils, soil aggregates, soil pore networks, and root networks within soil, in support of cutting-edge research to understand biogeochemical and microbial processes that drive fate and transformations of carbon and nutrients in soils. The successful candidate will work in the EMSL User Facility and engage in research led by external researchers as well as PNNL and EMSL scientists. The postdoc will participate in capability development projects, including ML/AI-based automated data processing and analysis solutions to improve our ability to explore the mechanisms and biogeochemical conditions by which soil organic matter, root exudates, and nutrients are transformed and interact with surrounding ecosystems. This exciting R&D position will provide an opportunity to work with diverse teams of scientists.

The position will provide the opportunity to use many of the advanced tools available within EMSL to elucidate soil structure and properties. Applicants with prior experience in operating and analyzing data from x-ray computed tomography are desired. Experience with complementary x-ray spectroscopies such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy is also desirable. Familiarity with computer-based processing, analysis and visualization of 3D image data is preferred. The candidate should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills. The applicant will be expected to contribute to ideas and methods expanding on existing R&D and collaborate on reports, proposals, papers, posters, and presentations and to develop external collaborations with users and other scientists. The candidate must also demonstrate initiative, creativity and innovative thinking, and high tolerance for the ambiguity, dynamics, and diversity of work characteristic of a research environment. The candidate will gain a diverse set of skills in the above areas and will be exposed to many interesting and stimulating projects and ideas.

EMSL is a national scientific user facility and research directorate located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). EMSL is supported and stewarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER). The EMSL User facility is designed to provide innovative and breakthrough experimental and computational science that addresses BER programs by providing access to more than 75 state-of-the-art instrumental and computational capabilities. EMSL Users address some of the most important molecular-to-mesoscale challenges relevant to DOE missions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD with image data-related research experience.

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Biology, Mineralogy, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience using x-ray computed tomography to characterize various samples.

• Experience in computer-based image data processing and analysis (scripting, coding skills, familiarity with AI/ML tools are desirable).

• Ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental or computational tools based on project needs.

• Proven ability to plan and execute research tasks and take initiative in the completion of tasks important to the projects. These include preparation of first drafts of papers for peer-reviewed journals, technical presentations at scientific conferences.

• Ability to work in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary group of scientists and technical staff, ability to communicate effectively with experimentalist and computational modeling colleagues.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

• Computer-based data analysis, visualization, coding, scripting, use of AI/ML tools.

• Direct experience and expertise in x-ray tomographic imaging and related software tools, soil biogeochemistry, soil microbiology, x-ray spectroscopies, x-ray diffraction/scattering.

• Experience with any of these software tools is a plus: ImageJ/Fiji, Avizo, VG Studio, Dragonfly.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Working with x-ray generating devices (XCT scanner, synchrotron x-ray beamlines)

Additional Information

Not applicable

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or 3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)