1

Material Science Postdoc Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Material Science Postdoc information

See California salary details

$35K

$70.5K

$92.3K

How much do material science postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for material science postdoc in California is $70,535.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,700.00 and $82,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of research projects can a material science postdoc expect to work on, and how much independence is typically given?

As a Material Science Postdoc, you may be involved in projects ranging from developing novel materials and investigating their structural properties to collaborating on interdisciplinary applications such as energy storage, biomaterials, or nanotechnology. Postdocs often work under the supervision of a principal investigator but may also lead sub-projects, train students, and contribute fresh ideas to ongoing research. The level of independence varies by institution and funding source, but you can generally expect to design experiments, analyze results, and share findings at lab meetings and conferences. This balance of guidance and autonomy is designed to help you grow your skills while making meaningful contributions to the group’s scientific goals.

What is a material science postdoc?

A Material Science Postdoc is a temporary research position for Ph.D. graduates specializing in materials science and engineering. Postdocs work on advanced research projects, often in academic, government, or industrial labs, to develop new materials, improve existing ones, or study their properties. They collaborate with senior scientists, publish findings, and may mentor students. The role helps build expertise and prepares researchers for careers in academia, industry, or government research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material science postdoc?

To thrive as a Material Science Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field, with deep expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and materials characterization. Familiarity with advanced characterization tools (such as SEM, TEM, XRD) and data analysis software, along with strong scientific writing and publication experience, is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These qualifications ensure the ability to conduct rigorous research, contribute to publications, and work effectively in a fast-paced academic or industrial research environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Material Science Postdoc jobs in California? The most popular types of Material Science Postdoc jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Material Science Postdoc job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,535 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow (Multiple Openings)

NS-Nuclear Science

Bodega Bay, CA • On-site

$5.7K - $6.9K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

The Relativistic Nuclear Collisions Program (RNC) of the Nuclear Science Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is seeking outstanding candidates for one or more Postdoctoral Fellow positions.

RNC scientists have significant responsibilities and contributions in ALICE at the LHC, in the STAR and sPHENIX experiments at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and at Jefferson Lab. RNC researchers are also active contributors to the development of the physics program for the ePIC experiment at EIC and are leading the design of the ePIC Silicon Vertex Tracker.

Primary focus areas for the position(s) include:

  1. Contributions to the ePIC Silicon Vertex Tracker, through software and simulation work and/or hardware development
  2. Data analysis for the ALICE or sPHENIX experiments
  3. AI/ML research in support of RNC Nuclear Physics priorities 

You will:

  • Contribute to one or more of the focus areas described above, and/or to other RNC experimental research activities,
  • Publish papers/reports in refereed journals.

We are looking for:

  • A recent Ph.D. in experimental nuclear or high-energy physics, or a closely related field at the time the position starts,
  • Experience with modern data analysis, simulation, and computing,
  • Proficiency in written and oral dissemination of scientific results,
  • Ability to travel to experimental sites, collaboration meetings, workshops and conferences.

Desired skills/knowledge:

  • Ability to advise and coach student assistants in research.

Requested application materials: Please submit your CV, a publication list, a statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent via email to John Arrington (jarrington@lbl.gov) and Michele Anne (mmanne@lbl.gov).

For inquiries regarding this search, please contact John Arrington. Applications received before April 30th will receive full consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered until the position(s) are filled.

Additional information:

  • Appointment type: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

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: The salary range for this position is $5,757 - $6,903 per month and is expected to start at $6,475.00 or above. 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 finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.