Technical Staff - Plant Molecular Ecology

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The Environmental Sciences Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a qualified technical staff member to contribute to our Plant Molecular Ecology program. The candidate will join a team of researchers actively working on functional plant genomics with an emphasis on characterizing genes and gene networks associated with cellular and whole-plant traits of interest to carbon sequestration, domestication of bioenergy feedstocks, and plant responses to global environmental change. These studies are conducted both under rigorously controlled laboratory conditions, in the climate-controlled greenhouses, and in natural plant populations.

 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in plant molecular biology. A stated interest in modern molecular biology and experience with Populus genetics/genomics will be viewed favorably. The candidate will be specifically expected to assist in phenotyping auxin response regulator RNAi transgenic plants generated through our genome-enabled carbon sequestration project. Demonstrated skills in plant care and maintenance, expression studies  using RT-PCR and microarrays, standard molecular biology techniques, and bioinformatics are desirable. The successful candidate should have experience in working with instruments related to high-throughput DNA sequencing and in all phases of microarray analysis.

 

The Plant Molecular Ecology group has a history of research in quantitative genetics, QTL analysis, molecular mapping, and biochemical plant physiology, particularly as they relate to tree biology and missions of interest to the Department of Energy ( http://www.esd.ornl.gov/PGG).

 

This position requires a M.S. in plant biology.  The ideal applicant would have training and experience in molecular biology, specifically DNA and RNA extraction and quantification, standard and quantitative RT-PCR, cloning, primer design, sequencing, probe synthesis, and microarray hybridization and gene expression analysis, and would be comfortable working in a multi-disciplinary environment.  The ability to work as part of a team is critical.

 

This position, which will be available beginning October 1, 2006 and will remain open until filled. To apply, visit our website at www.ornl.gov.  Click on Jobs, ORNL Employment, vacancy posting #060653 (Technical Staff, Plant Molecular Ecology). Qualified candidates should submit a complete CV, a statement of research interests, and the names of at least three references by attaching a single file.  To learn more about this position, email an3@ornl.gov .