Jobs Listing

Electronics and Control Engineer

Department: OBS – Observatories (must click to see jobs)

Salary:

Location: Pasadena, CA

The Observatories of the Carnegie Institution for Science is a world-class astronomical research organization located in Pasadena, California and operating telescopes at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Our scientists study extrasolar planets, nearby stars, the Milky Way and its neighbors, distant galaxies, and the cosmological structure and formation of the universe. To support these efforts, we operate an instrument development laboratory to produce research tools including optical and infrared imagers and spectrographs, detector systems, and telescopes at all scales. Current projects include instrumentation for the Sloan Digital Sky Survey V, our 1-meter, 2.5-meter and 6.5-meter telescopes, and the 25-meter Giant Magellan Telescope.

 

We seek an engineer with experience relevant to the design, construction, and maintenance of electronics and control systems for scientific instruments that support state-of-the-art astronomical research. The individual will engage in engineering design, analysis, assembly, and testing of support electronics for astronomical telescopes, instrumentation, and focal plane assemblies, component research, engineering analysis and cost estimation for new instrumentation, and writing technical documentation for the use and maintenance of instruments and telescope operating systems. The successful applicant will be part of a small engineering team. The ability to contribute at all levels of projects from design through assembly and testing will be an important part of the applicant’s responsibilities. An exciting and satisfying aspect of this work is the opportunity to learn and contribute broadly to the development of complex systems that support a grand scientific mission.

The position is based in Pasadena, California, but will occasionally require both domestic and international travel.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering or a related field.
  • Experience with precision electro-mechanical actuators (motors and other motion devices) and data gathering.
  • Experience in analog and digital electronics design, component layout and assembly.
  • Experience in electronics chassis layout and wiring. 
  • Effective written and verbal communications in English.
  • Comfort working both as part of a multidisciplinary team and independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to use common hand tools. 
  • Ability to work at 8000 feet altitude.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Desirable qualifications

  • Familiarity with Altium.
  • Familiarity with Solidworks.
  • Familiarity with implementation of computer interfaces to instrument control electronics.
  • Experience working with astronomical instrumentation and/or telescopes.
  • Experience with programmable logic controllers, EtherCAT, and/or other distributed I/O and control electronics.
  • Experience with focal plane assemblies and detectors.
  • Experience with surface-mount board assembly.
  • Spoken communication in Spanish.

Application Process

Only online applications submitted through our website will be considered. Application acceptance will continue until the position is filled. No phone calls please. Only select candidates who meet our requirements will be contacted.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply. The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

We have a 3-year postdoctoral position for work focused on understanding interactions in synthetic communities of bacteria present in hot spring mats of Yellowstone National Park. These ‘laboratory communities’ will reveal the overall metabolic landscape of the mats using the entire community and synthetic combinations of component organisms. Applications of sequencing and metabolomics will reveal key metabolic pathways used by the different members of the community under different light and nutrient conditions and over the diel cycle, and various aspect of interactions among the bacteria. Experiments will also be performed to analyze how abrupt changes in light intensity and temperature as well as the addition of exogenous microbes impact mat growth, structure, electrical and metabolic networks. The work will be performed by an international group of investigators. Preference will be given to candidates who have worked with microbes and have experience with molecular and omics approaches.  If interested, please apply below. For informal inquiries, please contact Arthur Grossman (arthurg@stanford.edu) and Devaki Bhaya (dbhaya@carnegiescience.edu).

Additional information:

The Department of Plant Biology of Carnegie Institution is located on the campus of Stanford University. Formerly known as the Carnegie Institution of Washington, the Carnegie Institution for Science is a U.S.-based non-profit, private endowment. Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1902 as an organization for scientific discovery to serve as a home to exceptional individuals—men and women—with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. Today, Carnegie scientists work in six scientific departments on the west and east Coasts and at the Las Camapanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie investigators are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, and global ecology. The Department of Plant Biology has state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy/imaging and mass spectrometry as well as molecular genetic studies of plants. To learn more about the Department of Plant Biology, visit https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Postdoctoral Fellow- High-Pressure Materials Synthesis

Department: EPL – Earth and Planets Laboratory

Salary: 73,500

Location: Washington, D.C.

The Carnegie Institution for Science seeks applications for an experimental postdoctoral position focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel materials produced under high-pressure conditions. The position will involve the use of equipment including diamond anvil cells and large-volume presses (Paris-Edinburgh / multianvil) to synthesize novel materials with an emphasis on extended covalent frameworks, as well as physical properties characterization under both high-pressure and ambient conditions. The successful candidate will work closely in a team comprised of experimental and computational physicists, chemists, and materials scientists. Please refer questions to tstrobel@carnegiescience.edu.

Minimum qualifications:  A PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related field is the requirement for this position.

Desired qualifications:  Expertise in solid-state synthesis, characterization using powder/single-crystal diffraction, Raman/infrared spectroscopies and optoelectronic properties. Understanding of high-pressure techniques including laser-heated diamond anvil cells and/or large-volume press techniques is desirable. The successful candidate is expected to be able to work in both independent and collaborative group environments.

The initial appointment is for one year with the possibility for an additional year pending progress and availability of funds. The position is available starting in 2024 and will remain open until filled. Interested parties should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae (including publications), statement of research interests, and contact information for a minimum of two references.

Only complete applications submitted via the website will be considered.

Prospective researchers will work at the Earth and Planets Laboratory, Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, DC. The Carnegie Institution is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on gender, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.

 

Administrative Assistant

Department: EPL – Earth and Planets Laboratory

Salary: $65,000-$75,000

Location: Washington D.C.

Position Summary: Provide excellent administrative support to the Division Director along with performing a variety of tasks to support the scientific efforts on campus.

Essential Duties:

  • Provide excellent customer service to visitors and employees including greeting and tracking visitors and direct employee inquiries to the appropriate department.
  • Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for the Division Director.
  • Prepare official memos and letters for the Division Director.
  • Attend meetings with the Division Director to record meeting notes.
  • Work with divisional and institutional Events Coordinators as needed to assist in planning and coordinating events.
  • Manage and maintain departmental email lists.
  • Work with the Associate Director to manage and coordinate the yearly post doctoral fellowship program.
  • Partner with the communications team to routinely update the personnel list on the division webpage.
  • Coordinate with the communications team to draft the yearly divisional yearbook.
  • Develop an organized approach to processing and fulfilling routine administrative requests.
  • Communicate critical information regarding events, safety concerns, and emergency alerts to the department.
  • Provide administrative support to individual Staff Scientists.
  • Work with Human Resources to prepare for the onboarding of incoming new hires to include scheduled campus tours, coordinate office space assignment and building access.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Three to five years of office administrative or executive assistant experience.
  • Project coordination experience, and the ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, clients, and vendors.
  • Ability to work with a degree of independence.
  • Superior communication skills — both written and verbal.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • B.S., B.A., or A.A. degree is desired but not required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Time management
  • Advanced technical skills
  • Excellent decision-making skills.
  • Data entry
  • Customer service

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

The Carnegie Institution is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected group status.

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantifying climate impacts on inland and coastal eutrophication

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $80,850

Location: Stanford, CA

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantifying climate impacts on inland and coastal eutrophication

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: TBD Competitive

Location: Stanford, CA

The Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS) is seeking Postdoctoral Research Associates to contribute to research that aims to quantify climate change impacts on freshwater and coastal water quality via influences on nutrient delivery to, and on conditions within, water bodies. Our approach is highly data-driven, with a common methodological thread being the development and application of statistical approaches for optimizing the use of limited in situ and remote sensing environmental data.

There will be considerable flexibility regarding specific scientific questions to be examined, but potential areas of focus include:

  • Attribution of historical water-quality trends and extreme events to climate change and variability;
  • Assessment of historical and future nutrient loading, phytoplankton blooms, and hypoxia in data-poor regions;
  • Development of approaches for using modern satellite-based observations for assessing global variability in lacustrine phytoplankton blooms;
  • Development of partnerships with other labs on targeted field-based projects for assessing climate drivers of water quality impairments;
  • Assessment of water quality management strategies in terms of their robustness to future changes in climate and, conversely, their potential climate impacts.

The position is based in Dr. Anna M. Michalak’s lab and will involve extensive collaboration with researchers at the other institutions, offering excellent opportunities for joint mentoring and career development.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for identifying innovative strategies for developing a quantitative basis for understanding the impacts of climate on water quality, as well as possible feedbacks with the climate system. While we are interested in site-specific studies, our long-term focus is on developing understanding that is at least in part transferable across systems, such that we can inform processes and variability in poorly sampled regions and at aggregate regional scales.

Position Duties

  • Identify compelling scientific questions, design and conduct high-level research, and collaborate with other members of the Michalak Lab on topics within the broad area defined above.
  • Coordinate with outside collaborators to identify key scientific opportunities and modeling strategies.
  • Lead and contribute to research papers to be published in the peer reviewed literature.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in hydrology, limnology, remote sensing, earth science, or related field;
  • Experience working with water quantity or quality observations at regional, continental and/or global scales;
  • Experience with quantitative data analysis and modeling approaches;
  • Experience exploring questions about climate and/or water quality;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Informal inquiries about these positions can be made by emailing Anna Michalak at michalak@carnegiescience.edu.  Formal applications for employment must be submitted by clicking on the bar below, and must include a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately and the position will remain open until it is filled. Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with work experience and skills.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $69,000

Location: Stanford, CA

Position Summary: Assist senior researchers with the design, organization, and execution of specialized and complex experiments and research projects that contribute to or complement overall research group objectives. Use established scientific techniques and procedures. Assist with analyzing results and summarizing findings for dissemination through reports or scientific journals.

Essential Functions: The qualified candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Perform a subset of the below duties, as assigned by supervisor:

  • Assist postdocs and researchers  in the research environment, handling lab management duties
  • Conduct literature reviews
  • Collect and analyze data, summarize project results
  • Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations
  • Ensure data is properly organized to provide convenient access for the researcher
  • Ensure availability of equipment or supplies necessary for the project or experiment
  • Manage and respond to project related email
  • May supervise undergraduate students working on the research project (maintaining records on assignment completion, acting as liaison between the undergraduate students and the lead researcher)
  • Attend project meetings
  • Prepare progress reports for the PI, funding agency, or others as appropriate
  • Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations
  • Assist with monitoring the project budget 
  • Maintain lab website

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Senior student (or recent graduate with a BS or BA degree in related field)
  • Experience with specialized software or datasets, as required by the supervisor
  • Satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the supervisor
Preferred Qualifications:

  • Academic and/or work experience related to the field of research, as defined by the supervisor/lead researcher
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Must be a self-starter who is motivated to deliver quality work, has the ability for critical thinking and problem solving, and possesses a teamwork attitude
  • Strong organizational and computer skills, meticulous attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise
  • Awareness of the critical aspects of laboratory safety (for lab-based roles)
Physical Demands/Working Conditions:

  • Occasionally lifts and /or carries objects weighing up to 25 pounds
  • Occasionally stoops and bends
  • Occasionally reaches and grasps with arms and hands above head
  • Work may be performed in a laboratory environment where there are relatively few physical discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise, or similar
  • Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low-dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemical and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances

Please apply by clicking on the Apply Now button below. Please include a cover letter, a CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other protected group status.

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Elucidating the Rules of Cooperation and Resiliency in Microbial Communities

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $72,000 (negotiable depending on experience)

Location: Stanford, CA

A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available immediately, based in Dr. Devaki Bhaya’s lab at the Division of Biosphere Sciences and Engineering, located at Stanford, CA. This is part of an NSF-funded project and is a collaboration with the Treangen, Segarra and Nakleh labs, located at Rice University. 

Summary of research goals: Microbial communities in aquatic ecosystems are central to maintaining the resiliency of these important environments. The aims of this project are to develop robust computational tools to decipher the rules that govern cooperation and resiliency. Already available omics datasets from hot spring microbial mats biofilms, in Yellowstone Park, will be used to test these computational pipelines, as well as extend and develop relevant experimental systems. These extreme environments are ideal for examining how critical environmental parameters such as temperature, light, nutrients, and phage attack influence the diversity, abundance, and evolution of microbial populations. The long-term goal is to build a bridge between new computational tools and experimental systems.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will have some flexibility in choosing the exact direction of your research project (e.g a combination of computational and experiments to examine phage host interactions). There will be opportunities to develop computational tools or experimental systems in the context of microbial communities. The position is ideal for someone who is ambitious, collaborative and wishes to develop interdisciplinary expertise.  This multidisciplinary project presents several opportunities for career development,  combining education and outreach activities. 

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology or a related field.
  • Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry and/or bioinformatics. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Previous experience with phage/ viruses and microbiology is a plus.

Informal inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Devaki Bhaya at dbhaya@carnegiescience.edu. Formal applications for employment must be submitted by clicking on the bar below, and must include a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative person; we prefer strong training in molecular biology/bioinformatics/metabolic biology.

The position is available immediately and the project involves elucidating functions associated with the early evolution of primary plastids and photosynthetic processes in eukaryotes. We are especially interested in those innovations that enable the crucial transition of a protist from heterotrophy to photoautotrophy. The Postdoctoral Associate will have the unique opportunity to work closely with other members of a highly motivated multi-disciplinary international team.

The Carnegie Institution for Science is on the Stanford campus, in the San Francisco Bay area, with opportunities for extensive social and scientific interactions. The project is funded by NASA and the contract will be for one year at a time (it is a three-year grant) and renewable based on performance.

Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer.  We highly encourage candidates from under represented gender and ethnic groups to apply. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Additional information:

The Department of Plant Biology of Carnegie Institution is located on the campus of Stanford University. Formerly known as the Carnegie Institution of Washington, the Carnegie Institution for Science is a U.S.-based non-profit, private endowment. Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1902 as an organization for scientific discovery to serve as a home to exceptional individuals—men and women—with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. Today, Carnegie scientists work in six scientific departments on the west and east Coasts and at the Las Camapanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie investigators are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, and global ecology. The Department of Plant Biology has state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy/imaging and mass spectrometry as well as molecular genetic studies of plants. To learn more about the Department of Plant Biology, visit https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/

Intern: algal biophysics

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: TBD

Location: Stanford, CA

The Burlacot Lab in the Biosphere Sciences and Engineering Division at the Carnegie Institution for Science is seeking an intern to contribute to an exciting project on algal photosynthesis. We are interested in how algae cells respond to different CO2 levels by rearranging their photosynthetic machinery. The project will involve microscopy, bioengineering and physiology measurements. 

The position is available to start in June 2024, based in Dr. Adrien Burlacot’s lab and will involve collaboration with all lab members composed of biologists and biophysics specialists.

The intern will work under the supervision of a postdoc in the lab.

Position Duties

  • Developing fluorescently tagged algae strains
  • Image strains using fluorescent microscopy
  • Make physiological measurements of photosynthesis
  • Keeping a well organised and detailed lab notebook

Requirements

  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate course in bioengineering, biology, biochemistry or other related fields.
  • Basic knowledge in biology or biophysics
  • Excellent verbal communication
  • Organized
  • Good attention to detail
  • Be Enthusiastic!

Inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Adrien Burlacot at aburlacot@carnegiescience.edu and must include a cover letter, CV, and list of at least two references. Please apply by clicking on the blue Apply Now box below.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Part-Time Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $20 per hour

Location: Stanford, CA

Part-Time Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Location: Stanford, CA

Immediate opening for a 1-year Part Time Research Assistant position in the laboratory of Dr. Shouling Xu / Mass Spectrometry Facility at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, in Stanford, California. The position is for about 15-19 hours per week. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Duties include:

  • Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
  • Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
  • Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
  • Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.

Qualifications:

– Strong academic record and Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology/ or equivalent. Completion of an undergraduate course in plant biology is a plus.

– 1-2 years of lab experience (outside of coursework) and familiarity with common molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning, western. 

-The job requires someone who is meticulous, proactive, and highly organized.

– Good judgment and common sense as well as critical thinking and attention to detail are required. Must possess excellent analytical, and written/verbal communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.

– General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
  • Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.

Please include contact information, a cover letter, a resume, work experience, and 2 letters of recommendation.

To apply, please submit your application below.

The Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer.  We highly encourage candidates from under represented gender and ethnic groups to apply. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Additional information:

The Department of Plant Biology of Carnegie Institution is located on the campus of Stanford University. Carnegie Institution for Science is a private, nonprofit organization engaged in basic research and advanced education in biology, astronomy, and the earth sciences. It was founded and endowed by Andrew Carnegie in 1902 and incorporated by an act of Congress in 1904. Andrew Carnegie conceived the Institution’s purpose to be “to encourage, in the broadest and most liberal manner, investigation, research, and discovery, and the application of knowledge to the improvement of mankind.” The Department of Plant Biology engages in basic research on the mechanisms involved in the growth and development of plants and algae. The Department of Plant Biology is co-located with the Carnegie Department of Global Ecology on a seven-acre site on the campus of Stanford University. The Department of Plant Biology has state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy/imaging and mass spectrometry as well as molecular genetic studies of plants. To learn more about the Department of Plant Biology, visit https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/

 

 

Part-Time Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $20 per hour

Location: Stanford, CA

Part-Time Research Assistant

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Location: Stanford, CA

Immediate opening for a 1-year Part Time Research Assistant position in the laboratory of Dr. Shouling Xu / Mass Spectrometry Facility at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, in Stanford, California. The position is for about 15-19 hours per week. We are looking for a highly motivated individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.

Duties include:

  • Plan approach to experiments in support of research projects in lab and/or field based on knowledge of scientific theory.
  • Independently conduct experiments; maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • Apply the theories and methods of a life science discipline to interpret and perform analyses of experiment results; offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols in collaboration with senior researcher.
  • Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and apply learnings to related research.
  • Help with general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed.

Qualifications:

– Strong academic record and Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology/ or equivalent. Completion of an undergraduate course in plant biology is a plus.

– 1-2 years of lab experience (outside of coursework) and familiarity with common molecular biology techniques such as PCR and cloning, western. 

-The job requires someone who is meticulous, proactive, and highly organized.

– Good judgment and common sense as well as critical thinking and attention to detail are required. Must possess excellent analytical, and written/verbal communication skills and be able to work as part of a team.

– General understanding of scientific principles. Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work.
  • Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.

Please include contact information, a cover letter, a resume, work experience, and 2 letters of recommendation.

To apply, please submit your application below.

The Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer.  We highly encourage candidates from under represented gender and ethnic groups to apply. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

Additional information:

The Department of Plant Biology of Carnegie Institution is located on the campus of Stanford University. Carnegie Institution for Science is a private, nonprofit organization engaged in basic research and advanced education in biology, astronomy, and the earth sciences. It was founded and endowed by Andrew Carnegie in 1902 and incorporated by an act of Congress in 1904. Andrew Carnegie conceived the Institution’s purpose to be “to encourage, in the broadest and most liberal manner, investigation, research, and discovery, and the application of knowledge to the improvement of mankind.” The Department of Plant Biology engages in basic research on the mechanisms involved in the growth and development of plants and algae. The Department of Plant Biology is co-located with the Carnegie Department of Global Ecology on a seven-acre site on the campus of Stanford University. The Department of Plant Biology has state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy/imaging and mass spectrometry as well as molecular genetic studies of plants. To learn more about the Department of Plant Biology, visit https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/

 

 

Postdoctoral Positions – Wang Lab

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

Postdoc positions are available in the lab of Dr. Zhiyong Wang at Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, to work on research projects that investigate the signaling networks underlying plant growth and acclimation. Possible research projects include investigations of the brassinosteroid signaling network, the O-glycosylation (O-GlcNAc and O-fucose) network, the crosstalk between nutrient-sensing O-glycosylation (O-GlcNAc and O-fucose) and hormone-regulated phosphorylation, and the functions of these signaling mechanisms in regulating cellular processes such as transcription, protein translation, protein degradation, vesicle trafficking, and cell division. The research can involve a variety of approaches including genetics, proteomics, mass spectrometry, protein engineering, and chemical biology. The candidates are required to have a Ph.D in biology or biochemistry. To apply, please send a single pdf file that includes a cover letter describing research experiences and career goals, CV with list of publications and contact information for 3 professional references to Zhi-Yong Wang at zywang24@stanford.edu

Position details:

This is a full-time position with a competitive annual salary and benefits. The lab is located at the Carnegie Institution on the Stanford University campus. Carnegie Postdocs have access to Stanford facilities. Stanford campus is a vibrant community embedded in the San Francisco Bay area, with opportunities for extensive social and scientific interactions.

Additional information:

The Department of Plant Biology of the Carnegie Institution for Science (formerly known as the Carnegie Institution of Washington) is a private U.S.-based non-profit endowment, located on the campus of Stanford University since 1928. Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1902 as an organization for scientific discovery to serve as a home to exceptional individuals – men and women – with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. Today, Carnegie scientists work in six scientific departments on the west and east coasts and at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie investigators have made key discoveries in plant biology, including early experiments of local adaptation (Clausen, Keck, Hiesey), the discovery of transposable elements (McClintock), plant ecophysiology at global scales (Berry, Field), the discovery of key photosynthesis and phototropism genes (Grossman, Briggs), or The Arabidopsis Information Resource TAIR (Rhee, Somerville). The Department of Plant Biology (https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu) has state-of-the-art facilities for molecular genetic studies of plants, greenhouses and field sites, and computer resources. The lab is co-affiliated with the Carnegie Department of Global Ecology (https://dge.carnegiescience.edu), the Department of Biology at Stanford University (https://biology.stanford.edu) and with the center of Computational, Evolutionary and Human Genetics (http://cehg.stanford.edu). The ideal candidate would become an active member of this community and would strengthen collaborative connections with grad students, postdocs, and faculty members across campus.

Equal opportunity employer

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws. We aim to have a vibrantly diverse lab, which is essential to tackle scientific questions from different creative angles.

Postdoctoral Fellow: Climate responses of ecosystems and communities

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $80,850

Location: Stanford, CA

The Carnegie Institution for Science’s Global Ecology group invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at its Stanford Campus. Scientists in the Global Ecology group conduct basic and applied research into the interactions among the Earth’s ecosystems and people. The Carnegie Institution has a deep commitment to scientific excellence and diversity; we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. 

The selected fellow will join a collaborative team of scientists working to understand how ecosystems on land respond to environmental conditions (and changes), to better represent those responses in models, and to build understanding of pathways to a more sustainable society. The fellow will work under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Dukes, a Senior Staff Scientist with the Carnegie Institution for Science.

There is some flexibility in the specific work of the Postdoctoral Fellow, but in general the successful applicant will be expected to examine the influence of microclimates on vegetation, the influence of vegetation on microclimates, and the ways in which microclimates’ effects on ecosystem processes scale up to the landscape level and beyond.  The fellow could become involved in local fieldwork, and/or use land models, remotely sensed datasets, and global databases to examine the importance of microclimatic influences from the local to the global level.  We will be looking for candidates who have interest in being involved in some level of fieldwork and some level of modeling.  The exact mix of these is flexible, and to be determined.

Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, and summarize experiments and analyses that explore microclimatic heterogeneity and its implications for ecosystem processes, from local to global scales;
  • Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; 
  • Present results at conferences and seminars. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in biology, earth system science, or a related field;
  • Excellent mathematical skills and basic computer programming;
  • Working familiarity with a land surface model and/or its components;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Familiarity with geographical information systems would also be a benefit.

This project will be based on the Stanford campus; the Fellow will be expected to work on site.  The initial appointment will be for one year, but can be extended based on performance and funding availability. The position is available immediately, but the starting date is flexible. Informal inquiries and questions about the position should be directed to Jeff Dukes (e-mail: jdukes@carnegiescience.edu ). 

Postdoctoral Fellows at Carnegie have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in and beyond academia, including technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. Opportunities to partner with other Carnegie scientists may also be available depending on the Fellow’s interests. Carnegie seeks to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; funding is available for travel to scientific conferences, and additional professional development/training programs are offered internally.

Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal (see blue bar below). Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: BSE – Biosphere Sciences & Engineering

Salary: $65,000

Location: Pasadena, CA

Position Summary:

The Division of Biosphere Sciences and Engineering (BSE) at the Carnegie Institution for Science, a non-profit, world-class research institution is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral researcher position in the Cao lab, currently residing at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA.

The Cao lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to study symbiosis between the insect parasitic nematode Steinernema spp. and its mutualistic bacterium Xenorhabdus spp.. The Steinernema-Xenorhabdus mutualistic symbiosis is a well-established experimental model to study basic animal-microbe interactions and has great potential for agricultural applications due to Steinemema’s parasitisim on agricultural pests. Our lab’s research focuses on developing genetic tools to uncover the molecular mechanisms of communication between the nematode-bacteria symbiotic partners as well as its application in biosphere engineering. Since we work with an emerging genetic model organism, there are numerous opportunities for scientific exploration as well as tool development.

Current projects available in the laboratory include:

  • Developing molecular genetics tools in nematode hermaphroditum, such as CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-editing and transgene.
  • Symbiont-specific chemosensation in Steinernema nematodes.
  • Biochemical signaling in hermaphroditum- X. griffiniae symbiosis.
  • Symbiont-modulated host gene expression.

Desired qualifications and expectations:

  • Focused, self-motived, and passionate about microbial symbiosis.
  • Completed doctoral degree in microbiology, genetics, molecular biology, organismal biology, or related fields.
  • Evidence of ability to create and adapt protocols for an emerging model organism.
  • Excellent written skills that are suited for manuscript preparation and grant writing.
  • Excellent oral communication skills: including scientific presentations and discussions.
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in a small team, including training younger lab members.
  • High resilience in experimental failures and strong abilities in problem-solving.
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace.

Salary: $65,000 annualized, plus benefits and supporting funds for research and equipment.

How to Apply:

  • The application must include a cover letter, a CV (including a list of publications), and a list of three references with contact information.

Please contact Dr. Mengyi Cao at mcao@carnegiescience.edu with any questions about the position.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

The Carnegie Institution is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other protected group status.

 

Postdoctoral Research Associate in quantitative analysis of aquatic ecosystem dynamics and harmful algal blooms

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $74,000 – $80,850

Location: Stanford, CA

Department of Global Ecology at the Carnegie Institution for Science (CIS), Stanford campus is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to analyze data on spatial and long-term variation of plankton community composition to uncover drivers of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and patterns of plankton community responses to changing environmental conditions.

The position is based in Dr. Elena Litchman’s lab, with the possibility of working remotely, and will involve collaborations with researchers at other institutions. 

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for developing novel methods to identify the drivers of HABs and characterizing community dynamics and resilience in a changing climate using multiple datasets on spatial and temporal variation in lake plankton. 

Position Duties

  • Identify compelling scientific questions, design and conduct high-level research;
  • Lead and contribute to research papers to be published in the peer reviewed literature.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in ecology, data science, environmental statistics or related field;
  • Experience working with environmental data;
  • Experience with quantitative data analysis and advanced statistical modeling approaches and publications in this area;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Contact Elena Litchman at elitchman@carnegiescience.edu if you have questions about this position.  Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal (see blue bar below). Please include a cover letter, CV, and names and contact info of three references. The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with work experience and skills.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

 

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to analyze protein-RNA/DNA interface and alternative splicing sponsored by Dr. Shouling Xu at Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, located in Stanford, CA. The candidate will use diverse proteomics techniques, RNA-seq and molecular biology  to dissect the mechanism of alternative splicing and transcription in Arabidopsis and to answer fundamental questions in basic science. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with proteomics.
  • Experience with RNA-seq, RIP, CHIP
  • Ph.D in Molecular Biology or related science field required

Application Materials Required:

  • Cover Letter
  • C.V.
  • Contact information for 3 references

Please note: This position is available starting November 2023.

Informal inquiries about the position can be made by emailing slxu@stanford.edu or sxu@carnegiescience.edu.  

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with various viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

 

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantification of the compound impact of heat and light stress on photosynthesis

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

The Burlacot Lab in the Biosphere Sciences and Engineering Division at the Carnegie Institution for Science is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research that aims to quantify the compound impact of light and temperature on photosynthetic CO2 fixation and productivity. Our approach is highly data-driven and aims at developing a sub-cellular understanding of how light and temperature changes affect photosynthesis and plant productivity at the global scale. 

The position is available immediately and the project involves the development of sub-cellular fluorescent probes to measure the temperature of photosynthetic membranes during photosynthesis. The postdoctoral research associate will also quantify the relationship between temperature, light and photosynthetic productivity at the leaf level and collaborate with data scientists to model how combined light and temperature changes will affect plant productivity in future climates.

The position is based in Dr. Adrien Burlacot’s lab and will involve collaboration with Dr. Lorenzo Rosa’s lab from the same division as well as researchers at other institutions, offering excellent opportunities for joint mentoring and career development.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for identifying strategies for measuring cellular and sub-cellular temperature of plants and algae in response to light and performing combined measurements of temperature and productivity. While we are interested in cellular and sub-cellular processes, the long-term goal of this project is to bridge the molecular to the global scale to predict and propose solutions to improve agricultural sustainability under warming conditions.

Position Duties

  • Develop fluorescent proteins and nanoprobes that respond to temperature to assess the temperature response of photosynthetic membranes during photosynthesis.
  • Quantify the relationship between light intensity, external temperature, cell temperature and photosynthetic productivity.
  • Lead interactions with the Rosa lab to use sub-cellular/leaf measurement for prediction of the compound impact of light and temperature on agricultural productivity.
  • Lead and contribute to research papers to be published in the peer reviewed literature.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical engineering, Biology, or related field.
  • Experience working with chemicals or genetically encoded in vivo fluorescent sensors. 
  • Proficiency with state-of-the-art microscopic tools. 
  • Proficiency in using molecular biology tools.
  • Experience exploring questions about cellular/subcellular processes.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Previous experience with microalgae or plants is a plus but not necessary.

Informal inquiries about this position can be made by emailing Adrien Burlacot at aburlacot@carnegiescience.edu. Formal applications for employment must be submitted by clicking on the bar below, and must include a cover letter, CV, and list of at least three references.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Postdoctoral Fellow

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to analyze alternative splicing machinery and nutrient sensing  sponsored by Dr. Shouling Xu at Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, located in Stanford, CA. The chosen candidate will employ diverse proteomics techniques, biochemistry and molecular biology  to dissect the mechanism of alternative splicing and transcription,  nutrient regulation and aim to address fundamental questions in basic science. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with proteomics or biochemistry.
  • Ph.D in Molecular Biology or related science field required

Application Materials Required:

  • Cover Letter
  • C.V.
  • Contact information for 3 references

Please note: This position is available starting Nov, 2023. 

Informal inquiries about the position can be made by emailing slxu@stanford.edu or sxu@carnegiescience.edu.  

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with various viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Empirical foundations of estimates of climate damage and adaptive capacity

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $80,850

Location: Stanford, CA

Carnegie Institution Science Department of Global Ecology (DGE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at its Stanford Campus. Founded in 2002, scientists at DGE conduct basic and applied research into the interactions among the Earth’s ecosystems and people. The Carnegie Institution has a deep commitment to scientific excellence and diversity; we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. 

Selected fellow(s) will join a highly collaborative and productive team of scientists aimed at developing information that can help address climate challenges. This work will be performed under the guidance of Dr. Ken Caldeira, a Senior Scientist with Gates Ventures and Senior Scientist (Emeritus) with Carnegie Institution for Science.

Analyses of the social cost of carbon indicate that climate damage might manifest itself most strongly in heat-induced mortality and damage to crop yields. We are eager to work with people who can quantitatively assess the empirical foundation for climate damage projections, and/or who can analyze the potential for adaptive responses to these climate threats. We are eager to work with people who take empirical and quantitative approaches to these or related problems.

We have broad support for research aimed at helping humans to live sustainably on this planet in the face of climate change, but not every project need fall under this rubric. We have the ability, but not the necessity, to hire additional postdocs who will be a good fit for our group. Successful candidates will be open to addressing a wide range of issues, have good mathematical skills, have experience performing numerical simulations and/or analyzing data, be creative, and be good at completing projects. Postdoctoral Fellows typically lead projects and help out on other projects. Peer-reviewed publication of results in high-quality journals is the norm. 

Postdoctoral Fellows at DGE have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in academia and industry. Research resources include technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. Opportunities to partner with other DGE scientists may also be available depending on Fellow(s)’ interests. DGE seeks to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; funding is available for travel to scientific conferences; additional professional development/training programs are offered internally.

Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates to begin within 18 months of this posting. Initial appointments are for 1 year, with possible renewal up to 4 years. Carnegie offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. In addition, a budget is available to partially reimburse relocation expenses for successful candidates and their immediate families.

Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, analyze and summarize innovative research to inform climate and energy decision-making;
  • Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; 
  • Present results at conferences and seminars. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in any scientific or engineering discipline with a grounding in the physical sciences or engineering;
  • Excellent mathematical skills and basic computer programming;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Informal inquiries and questions about these positions should be directed to Ken Caldeira (e-mail: kcaldeira@carnegiescience.edu). Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal (see blue bar below). Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Quantitative modeling and analysis at the intersection of economic development and climate mitigation

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $80,850

Location: Stanford, CA

Carnegie Institution Science Department of Global Ecology (DGE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at its Stanford Campus. Founded in 2002, scientists at DGE conduct basic and applied research into the interactions among the Earth’s ecosystems and people. The Carnegie Institution has a deep commitment to scientific excellence and diversity; we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. 

Selected fellow(s) will join a highly collaborative and productive team of scientists aimed at developing information that can help address climate challenges. This work will be performed under the guidance of Dr. Ken Caldeira, a Senior Scientist with Gates Ventures and Senior Scientist (Emeritus) with Carnegie Institution for Science.

The discussion of addressing climate challenges is never far from discussions of economic development and equity. We seek to engage in quantitative modeling and analysis that can inform decision making aimed at achieving multiple goals in a world composed of many actors, with differing goals and differing beliefs, each operating under conditions of deep uncertainty. We are eager to work with people who can bring modeling and/or analytics skills to bear on these or related problems.

We have broad support for research aimed at helping humans to live sustainably on this planet in the face of climate change, but not every project need fall under this rubric. We have the ability, but not the necessity, to hire additional postdocs who will be a good fit for our group. Successful candidates will be open to addressing a wide range of issues, have good mathematical skills, have experience performing numerical simulations and/or analyzing data, be creative, and be good at completing projects. Postdoctoral Fellows typically lead projects and help out on other projects. Peer-reviewed publication of results in high-quality journals is the norm. 

Postdoctoral Fellows at DGE have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in academia and industry. Research resources include technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. Opportunities to partner with other DGE scientists may also be available depending on Fellow(s)’ interests. DGE seeks to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; funding is available for travel to scientific conferences; additional professional development/training programs are offered internally.

Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates to begin within 18 months of this posting. Initial appointments are for 1 year, with possible renewal up to 4 years. Carnegie offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. In addition, a budget is available to partially reimburse relocation expenses for successful candidates and their immediate families.

Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, analyze and summarize innovative research to inform climate and energy decision-making;
  • Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; 
  • Present results at conferences and seminars. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in any scientific or engineering discipline with a grounding in the physical sciences or engineering;
  • Excellent mathematical skills and basic computer programming;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Informal inquiries and questions about these positions should be directed to Ken Caldeira (e-mail: kcaldeira@carnegiescience.edu). Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal (see blue bar below). Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Postdoctoral Opportunity: Geophysical modeling to address climate challenges

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $81,850

Location: Stanford, CA

Carnegie Institution Science Department of Global Ecology (DGE) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at its Stanford Campus. Founded in 2002, scientists at DGE conduct basic and applied research into the interactions among the Earth’s ecosystems and people. The Carnegie Institution has a deep commitment to scientific excellence and diversity; we strongly encourage applications from candidates who will enrich and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. 

Selected fellow(s) will join a highly collaborative and productive team of scientists aimed at developing information that can help address climate challenges. This work will be performed under the guidance of Dr. Ken Caldeira, a Senior Scientist with Gates Ventures and Senior Scientist (Emeritus) with Carnegie Institution for Science.

Improved geophysical and geochemical understanding can help address climate challenges. Topic areas where improved understanding would be helpful include: aviation-induced cirrus clouds, geophysical and geochemical energy sources (e.g., winds, sun, geothermal energy, geologic H2), and solar geoengineering. We are eager to work with people who can bring modeling and/or analytic skills to bear on these or related topic areas.

We have broad support for research aimed at helping humans to live sustainably on this planet in the face of climate change, but not every project need fall under this rubric. We have the ability, but not the necessity, to hire additional postdocs who will be a good fit for our group. Successful candidates will be open to addressing a wide range of issues, have good mathematical skills, have experience performing numerical simulations and/or analyzing data, be creative, and be good at completing projects. Postdoctoral Fellows typically lead projects and help out on other projects. Peer-reviewed publication of results in high-quality journals is the norm. 

Postdoctoral Fellows at DGE have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in academia and industry. Research resources include technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. Opportunities to partner with other DGE scientists may also be available depending on Fellow(s)’ interests. DGE seeks to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; funding is available for travel to scientific conferences; additional professional development/training programs are offered internally.

Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates to begin within 18 months of this posting. Initial appointments are for 1 year, with possible renewal up to 4 years. Carnegie offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. In addition, a budget is available to partially reimburse relocation expenses for successful candidates and their immediate families.

Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, analyze and summarize innovative research to inform climate and energy decision-making;
  • Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; 
  • Present results at conferences and seminars. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in any scientific or engineering discipline with a grounding in the physical sciences or engineering;
  • Excellent mathematical skills and basic computer programming;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Informal inquiries and questions about these positions should be directed to Ken Caldeira (e-mail: kcaldeira@carnegiescience.edu). Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal (see blue bar below). Applicants are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

We have a postdoctoral position for at least one year on a project focused on transforming symbiotic dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae and understanding their interactions with their cnidarian hosts, including corals and sea anemones (most work will be done using the sea anemone Aiptasia pallida). Achieving transformation of these organisms will allow us to approach many questions concerning the interactions of the symbiont with its host, the importance of specific algal genes in the symbiotic process, the role of photosynthesis in the uptake and maintenance of the symbiont and the molecular mechanisms associated with coral bleaching, an area of major concern in many parts of the world. It will also facilitate our understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with the unusual structure of both the nuclear and chloroplast genomes, aspects of photosynthetic function and the nature of the processes involved in controlling the exchange of carbon and nitrogen between the alga and its host. The project will encourage interactions with other researchers working on the cnidarians/corals, including the laboratories of John Pringle and Steve Palumbi at Stanford University. Preference will be given to candidates who have worked with alga and who have strong training in molecular technology.  If interested, please apply below. For inquiries please contact Arthur Grossman, and also send all information including a CV, directly to Arthur Grossman (arthurg@stanford.edu).

Additional information:

The Department of Plant Biology of Carnegie Institution is located on the campus of Stanford University. Formerly known as the Carnegie Institution of Washington, the Carnegie Institution for Science is a U.S.-based non-profit, private endowment. Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Institution of Washington in 1902 as an organization for scientific discovery to serve as a home to exceptional individuals—men and women—with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. Today, Carnegie scientists work in six scientific departments on the west and east Coasts and at the Las Camapanas Observatory in Chile. Carnegie investigators are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, earth and planetary sciences, astronomy, and global ecology. The Department of Plant Biology has state-of-the-art facilities for microscopy/imaging and mass spectrometry as well as molecular genetic studies of plants. To learn more about the Department of Plant Biology, visit https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.

Postdoctoral Fellow: Climate mitigation and adaptation solutions

Department: DGE – Global Ecology

Salary: $80,850

Location: Stanford, CA

Carnegie Institution for Science Department of Global Ecology (DGE) at Stanford is seeking creative, collaborative postdoctoral scholars to advance our work on improving water and agricultural sustainability under warming. Research will be highly data-driven, through quantitative research and spatial model development. 

Fellows will work primarily under the guidance of Dr. Lorenzo Rosa. Fellows will collaboratively design and conduct cutting-edge research, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and present results at scientific conferences.  

Our research focuses on assessing the potential benefits and unintended climate and environmental consequences of innovations engineered to satisfy the increasing global demand for food, energy, and water. In our work, we aim to address the most urgent questions surrounding the sustainability of the Earth System. There will be flexibility regarding scientific questions to be studied, but potential areas of focus include:

  • Mapping water scarcity under climate change in agricultural and energy systems;
  • Analyzing solutions to water scarcity under global warming, including water storage and desalination;
  • Quantifying climate change impacts on water resources;
  • Quantifying how agriculture will be impacted by climate change and how farmers can adapt to new conditions;
  • Assessing solutions to achieve net-zero energy emissions in agriculture.

Postdoctoral Fellows typically lead projects and help on other projects; peer-reviewed publication of results in high-quality journals is the norm. We want to hire people who see helping the group be successful as a key element in their own success strategy.

Postdoctoral Fellows at DGE have access to valuable research resources to launch successful scientific careers in academia and industry. Research resources include technical support staff, research equipment, and computing/IT resources. DGE seeks to provide a culture of mentoring and professional development for all postdoctoral scientists; additional professional development/training programs are offered internally. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Work closely and collaboratively with other scientists to design, implement, analyze and summarize innovative research;
  • Publish results in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals; 
  • Present results at conferences and seminars. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in any scientific or engineering discipline with a grounding in energy, agriculture, hydrology, earth and environmental science, or related field;
  • Analyses of large spatio-temporal agricultural datasets;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Strong quantitative analysis skills;
  • Evidence of ability to work independently and in teams;
  • Commitment to a collegial and inclusive workplace. 

Multiple positions are available with flexible start dates to begin within 12 months. Although initial appointments are for one year, the position is renewable and postdocs in the Department usually stay for two to three years. Carnegie offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. Applications will only be considered when submitted through our application portal. Applicants are required to submit a CV, cover letter, a research proposal, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references.  Please contact Lorenzo Rosa (e-mail: lrosa@carnegiescience.edu) with any questions about the position. 

Carnegie is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse research community and we encourage applications by members of all underrepresented groups.

Please submit your application by clicking on the Apply Now box below or visit this link here:

https://jobs.carnegiescience.edu/jobs/apply/71446/

POST-DOCTORAL POSITION, AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

Department: DPB – Plant Biology

Salary: $71,650

Location: Stanford, CA

Our group studies how photosynthetic microorganisms perceive, respond to, and evolve in response to a continual onslaught of environmental stressors such as high light, lack of nutrients and phage attack. To probe these questions in molecular ecology, we work with model cyanobacteria and novel isolates from naturally occurring communities in hot springs from Yellowstone National Park. We use a variety of experimental methods ranging from molecular genetics and biochemistry to metagenomics/ transcriptomics. In collaboration with the Joint Genome Institute, we have recently generated a spatio-temporal multi-omics dataset from hot spring environments. To best explore these datasets and expand our perspectives, we collaborate with experts in theory, population dynamics, bioinformatics, statistics and computer science. 

We are looking for post-docs or students who are strongly motivated by questions that are at the interface of molecular ecology and theory. If you have worked with environmental microbes, have training in phage biology or are strongly motivated by an interest in theory or developing computational tools, this may be a great opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary group and develop a strong research focus. The ability to think critically, communicate your results to a broad audience and work with a team are particularly important. 

Here are two currently funded projects:

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1921429

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2125965

Relevant websites:

https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/labs/bhaya-lab

https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/

https://carnegiescience.edu/


Application / Contact
Informal inquiries about the position can be made by emailing me (Devaki Bhaya)  at dbhaya@carnegiescience.edu.  To be formally considered, please include:  a cover letter, CV, and three references. Please submit your application by clicking the blue “Apply Now” box below. 

The Department of Plant Biology (https://dpb.carnegiescience.edu/) is co-located with the Carnegie Department of Global Ecology on a seven-acre site on the campus of Stanford University, California.  Carnegie Institution for Science is an equal opportunity employer.  We highly encourage candidates from underrepresented gender and ethnic groups to apply. All applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

 

Executive Communications Writer

Department: HQ – Headquarters

Salary: $125,000 – $150,000

Location: Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Communications Officer, the Executive Communications/writer for the office of the President is responsible for furthering the Carnegie Institution of Science’s vision and objectives through the use of strategic executive communications. With direction from leadership, this person will provide internal and external communications support for the president and leadership—serving as the writer for communications including long-form speeches, talking points, social media content, internal communications, and op-eds. This experienced communicator will play a vital role in ensuring that Carnegie Science advances its mission.

Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Work effectively with the president to capture thoughts, voice, and vision, and develop effective executive communications that relay those thoughts and messages to key stakeholders.
  • Produce well-written and concise content that supports larger Carnegie Science initiatives.
  • Articulate scientific stories and concepts into easily understandable stories
  • Draft long-form speeches, talking points, emails, social media, other digital content, correspondence, and other executive communications products for the president.
  • Use research and data to develop communications that demonstrate national leadership across areas of focus.
  • Partner with colleagues to prepare the president and leadership for key speaking opportunities.
  • Align with the communications team to ensure the president and leadership have a consistent and effective digital presence on all digital platforms.
  • Perform other related duties to support Communications department objectives as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

  • Commitment to Carnegie Science’s vision and values.
  • Seven (7) to ten (10) years of executive speech writing.
  • Ability to convey thought leadership using various communications platforms.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and oral presentation and communications skills —with a demonstrated history of authentically channeling the voice of organizational leaders.
  • Experience in writing about science and research.
  • Ability to coordinate and/or deliver projects within a given timeframe.
  • Demonstrated maturity and seasoned judgment; ability to make decisions, justify recommendations, take responsibility for decisions, and be responsive and clear.
  • Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail. Experience handling multiple priorities effectively. Adept at organizing time efficiently.
  • Exceptionally well-developed emotional intelligence, with experience supporting and counseling executives.
  • Dedicated team player with a can-do mindset who considers others’ opinions, understands the impact on other groups and adapts to change effectively.
  • Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field (e.g., Communications, Business, Marketing) or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
To Apply:
To apply for this position please click “Apply Now” below and submit a cover letter and resume. Only applications with both cover letters and resumes will be considered. No phone or email inquiries please.

At Carnegie, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We believe academic environments should be places where diverse groups of people with a variety of viewpoints and ideas can thrive and work together. As such, we encourage applicants from under-represented groups and backgrounds to apply.

The Carnegie Institution is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other protected group status.