Material Science Postdoc Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning for Materials Science within the Molecular Foundry division. Molecular Foundry is a Department of Energy-funded nanoscience research user facility that provides access to cutting-edge expertise and instrumentation in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment to scientists from around the world. Through a peer-reviewed applications process, scientists gain access to our facilities and become users of our scientific tools and expertise.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work at the Molecular Foundry in collaboration with researchers from Argonne National Lab and Oak Ridge National Lab on a collaborative Department of Energy funded project "AlphaFold for Microelectronics". The role will be to develop data infrastructure to capture and curate both experimental and simulation data and collaboratively build machine learning models to predict behavior of novel materials for memristor applications. This is an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant research community dedicated to doing excellent science in a supportive and inclusive environment.

You will:

• Collaborate with scientists in developing workflows to capture data and metadata for both experiments and simulations and store them in the Crucible data platform.
• Collaborate with experimental and computational researchers to define appropriate metadata, data-quality requirements, and analysis-ready data structures.
• Develop machine learning models that integrate multimodal experimental and simulation data.
• Contribute to the development of Crucible Data Platform using software best practices.
• Present research results at national conferences and author publications.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Computer Science or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Python or another major programming language for data analysis and familiarity with machine learning approaches for data analysis.
• Knowledge of Machine Learning methods for materials science applications.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and contribute to the planning of a scientific research program.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to organize technical/scientific information, publish in top journals, and present at conferences.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate with a diverse interdisciplinary research team.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 3, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $99,192 - $110,808. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.