Earth Research Scientist Jobs

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) has an opening for a Research Scientist with interdisciplinary experience in advanced molecular spectroscopy.

Molecular spectroscopy can detect important biogeochemical species in complex Earth materials at a range of spatial scales and provide signatures of key soil, microbial, plant and other processes. Molecular spectroscopic methods have significantly advanced in recent years through the introduction of new sensing methods, new sensing platforms, and new data analysis approaches using machine learning.

The successful candidate will develop and provide cutting-edge research capabilities for existing laboratory and field projects and will be expected to expand their research portfolio through the development of additional projects.Primary projects include working with the Fundamental Geosciences group on the development of new approaches for studying interfacial geochemistry, which requires experience in Quantum Sensing, and working with the Watershed Function studying nutrients in plants, water, soil,and microorganisms, requiring skills in infrared spectrometry.

EESA provides an exciting, multidisciplinary environment in which complementary, cutting-edge experimental and modeling approaches are used to address complex geologic systems and problems. Our investigators are experts in a broad range of geoscience fields and methods. Successful applicants can expect to conduct research within two or more research areas.

What You Will Do:

• Document and communicate results of work in peer-reviewed-journal publications and in oral presentations, including participation in meetings, conferences, and reviews.
• Adhere to Environment, Safety, and Health (EH&S) policies and practices.
• Work closely with scientists, postdocs, and graduate students.
• Lead the research on interfacial biogeochemistry including rhizosphere nutrient cycling, mineral weathering, dissolution/precipitation processes.
• Lead the development of hardware and/or software tools for quantum sensing research.
• Network with key contacts outside the area of expertise.
• Lead a state-of-the-art quantum sensing laboratory for energy geoscience and environmental research.
• Coordinate the preparation and development of funding proposals for scientific research.

What is Required:

• Teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience in working with and/or supervising junior scientists, postgraduate and undergraduate students.
• Demonstrated ability to design and construct experimental spectroscopic instrumentation.
• Excellent track record in publications on high impact journals.
• Experience in at least two methods of advanced molecular spectroscopy.
• Demonstrated ability to define and tackle important Earth science questions using spectrometry methods.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced Degree in Geochemistry, Physics, Chemistry or related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex spectroscopic and micro-spectroscopy data sets using cutting-edge data analytics and machine learning methods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of modern C++, R and python for scientific computing.

Notes:

• This position is expected to pay $11,331.00 - $15,864.00 , which fits within the full salary range of $8,498.00 - $20,397.00 for the Earth Research Scientist. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

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