ResponsibilitiesThe Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher in laboratory automation to join the Molecular Observation Network (MONet) team. MONet is an EMSL initiative focused on molecular environmental science at ecosystem and regional scale. The researcher will lead testing, optimization and validation of the Automated Soil Analysis Platform (ASAP), an integrated set of instruments that processes MONet soil cores through a high-throughput analytical workflow and will publish on automation activities and analytical methods. ASAP links instruments such as the SoilSlinger (an in-house soil aliquoting device), TECAN Fluent liquid handlers, shaker, centrifuge, and robotic sample transportation. The goal of ASAP is to deliver high-throughput, reproducible soil sample preparation in which every sample is fully traceable, so that research teams can produce consistent, well-documented data at a scale that manual workflows can't reach. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with laboratory automation, such as liquid handlers, and a background in analytical chemistry, biology, soil science, or engineering.
- Design and execute test plans to evaluate, validate, and optimize ASAP workflows for high-throughput soil core processing.
- Program, operate, and troubleshoot automated liquid handlers and other integrated ASAP instruments.
- Benchmark automated protocols against manual methods to assess data quality, throughput, and reproducibility.
- Document methods, test results, and standard operating procedures, and implement QA/QC practices.
- Collaborate with automation engineers, analytical chemists, and soil scientists.
- Lead manuscript development on laboratory automation activities and methods, and present results at national and international conferences.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biology, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Chemical or Biological Engineering, or related fields.
- Experience programming and operating laboratory automation platforms.
- Experience with analytical chemistry method development, validation, and QA/QC for high-throughput sample processing.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
- Programming automation routines and software (e.g. python, .NET)
- Familiarity with laboratory automation technologies (e.g. SiLA, ROS)
- Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms (Tecan, Opentrons)
- Record of peer-reviewed publications.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $69,000.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $119,100.00/Yr.
