Recruiting Postdoc Scholar: Soil Biogeochemistry, Root Dynamics, Multi-Omics Research, and Ecosystem Science
The Sullivan Lab at Oregon State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar to advance discovery at the intersection of soil biogeochemistry, soil microbial community structure and function, ecosystem science, and multi-omics. We seek a creative and collaborative scientist interested in understanding how microbes, roots, minerals, and environmental change interact to shape ecosystem processes across scales.
The successful candidate will work with extensive datasets generated through the Department of Energy Molecular Observation Network (MONet) and complementary research projects spanning grasslands, agricultural systems, forests, wildfire-affected ecosystems, and montane environments across the United States. The position will involve integration of observations across scales; depending on interests and project needs, the position may involve synthesis of existing datasets, development of new experimental studies, and/or generation of molecular and environmental data.
Application review starts on October 12th 2026
Examples of research questions the postdoctoral scholar could lead and contribute to:
How do microbial communities, metabolites, and minerals interact to regulate soil carbon persistence and water and nutrient cycling?
How do roots, microbes, and rhizosphere processes mediate ecosystem responses to drought, disturbance, and environmental change?
What controls the production, distribution, and function of metabolites across soils, roots, and microbial communities?
How do metabolite interactions with soil microbes and geochemical features scale up to regulate ecosystem participation in regional carbon and nutrient flows and fates?
How do molecular and cellular processes scale to ecosystem-level patterns and functions?
How can multi-omics, environmental observations, and machine learning approaches reveal mechanisms governing ecosystem resilience?
How do disturbance, vegetation change, land management, and climate variability reshape belowground processes across ecosystems?
Available datasets include combinations of:
FTICR-MS metabolomics and dissolved organic matter characterization
Metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and microbial community data
Proteomics and spatially resolved metabolomics
Soil chemistry, nutrient cycling, and weathering measurements
Root, rhizosphere, and plant physiological datasets
Soil physical structure and X-ray CT imaging
Microbial biomass and enzyme activities
Environmental, hydrological, and climatic observations
Experiments spanning forests, grasslands, agricultural ecosystems, wildfire-affected landscapes, and montane environments
The successful candidate will take a leading role in developing and publishing research arising from ongoing projects within the lab. Opportunities include synthesis of large existing datasets, development of new field and laboratory studies, integration of multi-omics and environmental observations, and collaboration on emerging projects related to soil biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, rhizosphere processes, and ecosystem responses to environmental change. The postdoctoral scholar will be encouraged to develop novel research directions and cultivate collaborations with academic, government, and national laboratory partners.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Ecology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Microbiology, Earth Science, Data Science, Bioinformatics, Biogeochemistry, or a closely related field
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications
Strong interest in interdisciplinary and team-based science
Experience analyzing complex environmental datasets
Strong quantitative and computational skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with one or more of the following:
Metabolomics
Metagenomics
Microbiome datasets
Multi-omics integration
Environmental or ecological data science
Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, network analysis, or statistical modeling
Proficiency in R, Python, or related computational tools
Experience handling large and complex datasets
Knowledge of soil biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, rhizosphere processes, or ecosystem ecology
Experience developing collaborative research projects and scientific publications
Demonstrated mentoring experience with undergraduate or graduate students
Field experience in ecological, environmental, or earth science research
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment
We are particularly interested in candidates who are excited by interdisciplinary science and motivated to bridge scales from molecules and microbes to ecosystems. Applicants with strengths in large-scale data analysis, environmental omics, soil biogeochemistry, rhizosphere ecology, plant-soil interactions, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Application Materials
To apply, please submit:
A cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your background aligns with the advertised research areas
Curriculum vitae (CV)
A one-page statement of research interests describing potential directions you would like to pursue in this position. Please also discuss your research philosophy, including how you balance pattern discovery, theory development, hypothesis generation, and empirical testing within your work.
Contact information for three professional references