ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

National Lab Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GO-Energy Geosciences

Postdoctoral Scholar

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$69K - $107K/yr

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy ... Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to perform research under the ... Collaborate with national lab(s) to perform experiments that mimic ionizing radiation. * Perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNational Lab Postdoc Jobs

National Lab Postdoc information

See salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do national lab postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for national lab postdoc in the United States is $22.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a National Lab postdoc?

A National Lab Postdoc is a researcher who has recently completed their Ph.D. and is undertaking postdoctoral research at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory or similar federally funded research facility. These positions are typically temporary and provide early-career scientists with opportunities to deepen their expertise, work on cutting-edge projects, and collaborate with leading experts in the field. National Lab Postdocs often work on interdisciplinary teams and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, making these roles highly sought after for those pursuing careers in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Lab postdoc?

To thrive as a National Lab Postdoc, you need a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering field, a strong research background, and expertise in experimental or computational methods. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for advancing research projects and sharing results. These skills and qualifications are vital for driving innovation, meeting research goals, and contributing to high-impact scientific discoveries in a collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced by National Lab postdocs, and how can they be addressed?

National Lab Postdocs often encounter challenges such as balancing independent research with collaborative projects, adapting to the unique mission-driven environment of national laboratories, and managing time between research, publishing, and networking. To address these, it's helpful to set clear project goals with mentors, actively seek interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and participate in lab-wide seminars or workshops. Many labs also offer mentorship programs and professional development resources to support postdocs in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

What is the difference between National Lab Postdoc vs Research Scientist?

AspectNational Lab PostdocResearch Scientist
Required credentialsPhD in relevant fieldPhD or equivalent experience
Work environmentResearch-focused, academic setting within national labsResearch and development in industry or academia
Employer and industry usagePrimarily government-funded national labsPrivate companies, universities, or government agencies
Common search intentPostdoctoral research opportunities at national labsResearch roles in industry or academia

National Lab Postdocs are typically early-career researchers with a PhD working in government-funded labs, focusing on fundamental research. Research Scientists often have similar credentials but work in industry or academia, with more independence and potential for career advancement. Both roles involve research but differ mainly in employer and work environment.

What cities are hiring for National Lab Postdoc jobs?

Cities with the most National Lab Postdoc job openings:

What states have the most National Lab Postdoc jobs?

States with the most job openings for National Lab Postdoc jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to National Lab Postdoc jobs?

For National Lab Postdoc jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

National Lab Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Lab Postdoc job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,039 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratoryexternal

$69K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 121 rated laboratories

Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Geosciences Division.
Talented and experienced PhD researchers are encouraged to apply for this competitive postdoctoral position utilizing universal potentials, machine learning interatomic potentials, atomistic simulations, and computational thermodynamics to understand phase behavior in ionic liquids, solids, and the interfaces between them. The candidate will join a diverse team of researchers from multiple disciplines at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and partner institutions, including National Laboratories, Universities, and Industry.
The goal: Develop high-throughput approaches to predict new material reaction mechanisms and pathways.
The challenge: Deploy artificial Intelligence and machine learning to accelerate first-principles computation and to understand the thermodynamic behavior of ionic systems.
We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
  • Be a part of a cutting-edge team at the forefront of clean energy research
  • Access state-of-the-art instrumentation at Berkeley Lab, including autonomous laboratories driven by artificial intelligence
  • Collaborate with experts from diverse scientific backgrounds in a supportive environment
  • Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
  • A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
  • In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
  • Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:
  • Publication of high impact peer reviewed science
  • Independent development of hypothesis driven, fundamental science
  • Experimental calorimetry including DSC, drop solution, acid solution, isothermal titration, or similar
  • Data analysis, scientific model development, and machine control in Python, C++, or other common scientific programming language
  • Design, fabrication, operation, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory equipment

We are looking for:
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Computational Science, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or other related field
  • Demonstrated laboratory research experience and knowledge in thermodynamics and calorimetry
  • Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven ability to work productively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 1, 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 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 $69,084 - $107,052 and is expected to start at $69,084 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).
  • Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
  • Drug Testing Language: This position is designated as a Testing-Designated Position under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor and Carrier Safety Administration regulations and Berkeley Lab's Workplace Substance Abuse Policy and is subject to all associated requirements.

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.

What Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply