Research Associate in Biology

Date: Jul 18, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id: 15122

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Biosciences Division of ORNL has an opening for a postdoctoral researcher to integrate diverse research across the Center for Bioenergy Innovation’s (CBI) poplar project. The position will be housed within the Plant Systems Biology Group at ORNL in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA.

CBI’s poplar project seeks to advance the emerging bioeconomy by:

1. Reducing agricultural inputs

2. Increasing biomass production

3. Improving high value bioproduct yield across the major bioenergy feedstocks within the genus Populus (Salicaceae, hereon ‘poplar’).

The selected candidate will join a collaborative team conducting continent-scale diversity analyses (e.g., GWAS), experimental quantitative genetic tests of trait-environment tradeoffs, breeding trials across highly variable environments, and functional validation of gene effects.

The candidate will:

• Apply advanced analytical approaches to integrate existing datasets

• Develop new research questions and hypotheses and generate relevant datasets

• Work directly with stakeholders to ensure production of relevant deliverables

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct evolutionary/quantitative/population genetic analyses on existing large datasets

• Apply and develop bioinformatic pipelines to analyze diversity data, especially in the context of pan-genome resources

• Work directly with breeders, conversion laboratories, and genome editing groups to deliver high value genotypes, traits, and sequences

• Use and assist with the development of AI-based plant phenotyping technologies

• Measure plant phenotypes in greenhouse and field conditions

• Assist in sample preparation, extraction, and other laboratory activities

• Participate in regular cross-functional team meetings to share research progress and integrate diverse perspectives

• Present research progress in project meetings and conferences

• Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

• Maintain detailed and accurate records

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements

• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service

• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, ecology, plant biology, genomics, bioinformatics, computer science, plant physiology, or related fields

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pan-genome datasets

• Experience in plant stress/growth physiology and phenotyping, including extraction of relevant traits from image-based platforms

• Proficiency in bioinformatic pipeline development and optimization

• Experience analyzing and interpreting multi-omics datasets

• Strong background in statistical analysis and data integration

• Experience with woody perennial plant systems

• Effective writing and communication skills with a strong publication record

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.

The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to Postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to Upload Documents

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov

• View Profile

• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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

• Employee Discounts

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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 ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com