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National Lab Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

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How much do national lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for national lab in Berkeley, CA is $27.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $29.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a national lab?

National Labs are government-funded research institutions in the United States that focus on scientific research and technological development in various fields, such as energy, physics, biology, and national security. Managed by the Department of Energy and other federal agencies, these labs employ thousands of scientists and engineers to work on projects that advance knowledge and innovation. National Labs play a key role in addressing national challenges, supporting industry, and training future scientific talent.

What are some common collaboration opportunities available for professionals working at a national laboratory?

Professionals at national laboratories frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, engineers, and external partners from academia, industry, and government agencies. These collaborations often involve joint research projects, grant proposals, and knowledge sharing that can lead to innovative solutions for complex problems. Working in this environment provides valuable networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for professionals who enjoy teamwork and continuous learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a national laboratory researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a National Laboratory Researcher, you need a strong background in your scientific discipline, advanced degrees (often a Ph.D.), and experience in experimental or theoretical research. Familiarity with cutting-edge lab equipment, data analysis software, and compliance with safety protocols is typically required. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills help researchers work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and convey results. These competencies are crucial for advancing scientific discovery, maintaining rigorous standards, and supporting the laboratory's mission.

What is the difference between National Lab vs Research Scientist?

AspectNational LabResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (Master's or PhD)Usually requires a PhD or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment-funded labs, collaborative research settingsUniversities, research institutions, or industry labs
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Energy, national research facilitiesUniversities, private companies, government agencies
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for research roles in government labsRelated to scientific research careers in various sectors

National Labs and Research Scientists both focus on scientific research, often requiring advanced degrees. National Labs are government-funded facilities emphasizing large-scale, collaborative projects, while Research Scientists work across academia and industry, often in university or private sector settings. Both roles involve conducting experiments, publishing findings, and advancing knowledge in their fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to National Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA?

For National Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for National Lab jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for National Lab jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most National Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various National Lab job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,382 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning for Materials Science

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$99K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


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 120 rated laboratories


Job description

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.

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