The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Group within the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee, United States, is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental Science.
Research Project Focus
The postdoctoral researcher will join an interdisciplinary team to investigate how environmental variables, watershed hydrology, and remediation activities affect mercury (Hg) biogeochemistry, bioavailability, and bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems. Understanding these processes is critical for evaluating mercury contamination pathways in aquatic food webs, particularly its uptake and bioaccumulation in fish populations, which directly impacts freshwater fisheries management and seafood safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct laboratory microcosm experiments and field-scale monitoring in freshwater streams and contaminated watersheds.
- Analyze water, sediment, and biological tissue samples for total mercury, methylmercury, trace elements, and other biogeochemical parameters.
- Integrate biogeochemical and ecological data to model mercury transformation rates and bioaccumulation factors in freshwater aquatic organisms.
- Write scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international environmental science conferences.
What ORNL Offers
- A fully funded postdoctoral fellowship for up to two years (with the possibility of extension).
- A highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement benefits.
- Access to world-class analytical instrumentation, computing facilities, and field research equipment.
- Mentorship from leading environmental scientists and career development training.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Biogeochemistry, Stream Ecology, Aquatic Toxicology, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with mercury analysis and trace metal clean techniques in aquatic environments.
- Strong quantitative skills and experience working with environmental datasets or biogeochemical models.
- Proven record of scientific productivity, including first-author publications.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official ORNL Jobs Portal. Please submit a cover letter describing your research experience, your CV, and contact information for three professional references, referencing Job ID 1358825100.