Technical Professional in Plant Ecophysiology

Overview:

The Earth Systems Science Section of the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory ( ORNL), is seeking a highly motivated individual to provide leadership in laboratory and field support for several existing projects. Throughout the research performed by our team, environmental field data is used to better understand ecosystem function, and vegetation and biogeochemical cycling processes to inform Earth System Models that represent the cycling of carbon, water, and nutrients within these changing ecosystems. Our team collects plant physiological data in situ and processes a variety samples (soils, plants and water) using a wide array of field sampling techniques, ecophysiology equipment and analytical chemistry techniques.

We are looking for an experienced technical professional with an exemplary record of managing a productive, clean, and safe laboratory environment. The successful candidate will organize and execute field physiology campaigns and subsequent analyses in the lab. Field campaigns will include leading teams for: plant or soil gas exchange, fluorescence, plant hydraulics, plant-soil water relations, environmental biophysics and soil sampling. Post-campaign work will include sample processing, physical, hydrological and chemical analyses of plants and soils. The successful candidate must be capable of independent time management and have excellent communication and teamwork skills to work effectively with many individuals, teams, and projects. We expect the experienced individual to work within a diverse group of individuals and participate in the training of new students and researchers on the unique features of ORNL ecology laboratories, field work, and expected code of conduct.

This will be a full-time technical professional staff position with potential for growth and career advancement for a creative and highly motivated individual. The selected candidate will join the Ecosystem Processes Group and be supervised by Drs. Jeffrey Warren and Melanie Mayes. The successful candidate will provide support to researchers across the Section and Division.

ORNL's Environmental Sciences Division is an interdisciplinary research and development organization with more than 60 years of achievement in local, regional, national, and international environmental research. Our vision is to expand scientific knowledge and develop innovative strategies and technologies that will strengthen the nation's leadership in creating solutions to help sustain the Earth's natural resources. Our scientists conduct research, develop technology, and perform analyses to understand and assess responses of environmental systems at the environment-human interface and the consequences of alternative energy and environmental strategies.

The Earth System Science Section is world-renowned for large-scale experimental manipulations and is currently leading the US DOE flagship Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) field experiment. Section staff also lead the Next Generation Ecosystem Experiment (NGEE) Arctic, and we are an integral partner in the NGEE Tropics research program.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

In addition to the general roles for field and laboratory work described above, the successful candidate will assume the role of laboratory space manager (LSM) for some work areas at ORNL. The LSM role involves managing waste streams, equipment, space and facilities to ensure that all laboratory work is compliant with ORNL safety standards. The role will include maintaining USDA Aphis plant import permits and may include the operation of bench top elemental analyzers, isotope spectrometers, equipment to measure plant physiological and hydrological processes, vegetation sampling and tissue analysis, soil sampling and characterization. Routine laboratory activities will include sample preparation, analysis, and management; data processing; data and statistical analysis; equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting. In addition to working with analytical instruments, the research involves preparation of plant and soil samples (sorting, drying, grinding, weighing) for subsequent analytical streams. Duties will also include writing up protocols, maintaining chemical inventories, contributing to manuscripts and communicating with principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, junior researchers, students, interns and collaborators across our large and interdisciplinary organization. Training and supervising staff, students and interns on lab protocols and analytical equipment and maintaining comprehensive in-house protocols is also a routine aspect of the job. This position will include periodic travel outside of Tennessee in support of field research sites currently operated in Minnesota, Alaska, Missouri, tropical locations, and potentially foreign countries. During field campaigns, team members often work long hours and they may share housing in remote work areas: a strong work ethic and interest in natural ecosystems can make these challenging trips rewarding for the right individual. Field conditions can be unpredictable and strenuous: inclement weather, manual labor, insects, and unforeseen logistical challenges often prevail. Travel for field campaigns is expected to take up roughly 2-6 weeks per year. Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace- in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

MS degree with at least 1 year of relevant experience in plant physiology, ecophysiology, plant biology or plant-water relations or ecology or PhD in soil science, ecology, or a related field. Exemplary safety record. Ability to archive and organize raw and processed data in a variety of formats including Excel or R. Ability to thrive within a collaborative, team environment. Excellent communication and mentoring skills for interacting with team members having a wide range of experience and educational levels. Ability to travel for 1-2 weeks at a time, spend time in remote locations, and perform physically demanding tasks outdoors. Work will involve various physical requirements and certain working conditions and as such a post offer, pre- hire physical is required. A current, valid driver's license and be able to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated team leadership experience. Experience with analytical chemistry methods and equipment. A degree in soil science, biology or a related environmental field. Familiarity with plant ecophysiology methodology, plant and soil measurement techniques, and collection of samples for physical and chemical processing in the laboratory. Accurate and reproducible science, and data documentation and management. Basic knowledge of a data management scripting language (R, python, etc.)

Special Requirements:

Applications should include a cover letter and a CV and a list of three referees.

Physical Requirements:

Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: or call

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.