Biogeochemistry Scientist

We have an opening for a Biogeochemistry Scientist to investigate soil-based CO2 removal as a negative emissions pathway. You will execute field experiments using state-of-the-art flux monitoring equipment to assess the ability of deeply rooted and perennial grasses to enhance soil carbon sequestration under water limiting conditions. You will support investigations into the processes driving flux observations, such as the relationships between plant, soil, and microbial characteristics. This position supports a large project to assess the capacity of soils in California to sequester carbon and the effect of land management interventions on soil carbon sequestration and will involve participation in team sampling and analysis. You will be a part of the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry group in the Atmospheric, Earth & Energy Division. Note that this is a flexible term appointment (FX) at the SES.2 level.

You will 

• Contribute to investigations of soil-based CO2 removal under deeply rooted and perennial grasses as a negative emissions pathway.
• Execute field studies using state-of-the-art soil gas flux chambers and eddy covariance.
• Conduct quality control checks, flux computation, data partitioning, uncertainty analysis, and statistical analyses of environmental data.
• Identify relationships between plant types, microbial processes, and soil carbon cycling.
• Conduct field sampling and laboratory analysis of soil carbon pools and calculate fluxes.
• Contribute to reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to evaluate the effects of different plan cultivars and soil treatments on soil-based CO2 removal.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Science, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability to perform fieldwork (collect gas flux, soil, biomass, and pore water samples) and experience with the measurement, analysis, and interpretation of continuous greenhouse gas fluxes in the field.
• Experience interpreting flux data to partition plant and soil contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Experience with quality control, statistical analyses, and manipulation of continuous flux data in R, MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting equipment in a field setting.
• Effective ability to collaborate with a team of scientists of diverse backgrounds.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills. 

Qualifications We Desire

• PhD in Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Science, or a related field.
• Experience with stable isotopes or radioisotopes.
• Interest in science outreach and community engagement.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.