Nuclear Physics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a dynamic scientific leader with an international reputation and outstanding record of scientific accomplishment to serve as the Director of the Nuclear Science Division. Reporting to the Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences, the Nuclear Science Division Director is responsible for providing vision and leadership for the research and operations activities of the Division, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $50 million and a staff of over 100 employees and 200 affiliates. The Director has full responsibility for all areas of management within the division, including scientific research, operations, finance, human resources, and environmental, health and safety. The Director establishes a culture of scientific excellence, service, integrity, accountability, trust, respect, safety, and collaboration by recruiting a broad population of outstanding scientists and support staff, as well as enthusiastically supporting and promoting their career development.
The Director will serve as a member of the executive team for the Physical Sciences Area, comprising the Nuclear Science, Physics, Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics, and Engineering Divisions. As a member of Berkeley Lab's management, the Director is expected to build collaborative partnerships and programs within the Physical Sciences Area, with other Divisions across Berkeley Lab, and with external research institutions. The Nuclear Science Division research program is primarily funded by the Nuclear Physics program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science; the Director will serve as the spokesperson for the Nuclear Physics Division in interactions with the DOE. The Nuclear Science Division Director will also contribute to the leadership of large-scale Laboratory initiatives, including the development of multidisciplinary activities around cross-cutting themes (such as instrumentation, quantum information science, and artificial intelligence & machine learning), as well as our responsible stewardship of the Lab's research, people, and assets.
About the Nuclear Science Division:
The Nuclear Science Division conducts research in relativistic nuclear collisions, hadronic physics, neutrino physics and fundamental symmetries, low energy nuclear physics and chemistry, nuclear theory, nuclear data, and applied nuclear physics. The Nuclear Science Division operates the 88-Inch Cyclotron for external users as well as for internal experimental programs. The Nuclear Science Division program is further enabled by strong connections with Berkeley Lab's matrixed Engineering Division staff and the Computing Sciences Area's two national user facilities (NERSC and ESNet) and its research divisions (Advanced Mathematics & Computational Research and Scientific Data). The Division also maintains a strong, collaborative partnership with UC Berkeley Physics and Nuclear Engineering Departments, integrating leading faculty scientists and talented graduate students into Berkeley Lab's research environment to foster a stimulating intellectual community. Learn more about the Division here.
The Nuclear Science Division Director will:

• Provide scientific and operational leadership for the Nuclear Science Division's research programs, overseeing a $50-million portfolio and over 300 employees and affiliates, including scientists, postdoctoral fellows, administrative, technical and operations staff, and students.
• Effectively manage existing programs and guide the development of new initiatives within the framework of a long-term research vision building on the Area's 2025 Strategic Plan and aligned with national goals.
• Partner with the operations staff to ensure operational efficiencies across the full range of operations areas, including budgets, funding, workforce planning, human resources management, environmental, health, and safety, property, space, and facilities management.
• Work collaboratively with the Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences and other Division Directors to develop research initiatives, programs, and other activities to advance the mission of the Physical Sciences Area.
• Collaborate with colleagues at UC Berkeley and other research institutions to develop cooperative programs to the mutual benefit of Berkeley Lab and its partners.
• Champion and communicate the Nuclear Science Division's mission, goals, and accomplishments to Division employees, funding sponsors, Berkeley Lab leadership and staff, and to the broader research community.
• Make substantial contributions to the formulation and direction of Laboratory programs that enhance Berkeley Lab's preeminence as a National Laboratory.
• Serve as a point of contact to DOE officials for Nuclear Physics related research and applications, and implement DOE policies as they impact the Nuclear Science Division. Coordinate with other funding agencies and their respective Berkeley Lab points of contact.
• Address management and resource challenges of a complex organization.
• Participate in formulating the research policy and long-term direction of the Laboratory as a whole, and provide consultation to the Laboratory Director, Deputy Directors, and Associate Laboratory Director regarding new initiatives for the strategic direction.
• Work as a team member with other Berkeley Lab scientific and operational Division Directors, the Associate Laboratory Directors, and the Laboratory Directorate to advance the interests of Berkeley Lab and assure efficient, effective, and safe operation of the Laboratory.
• Conduct research in an area of nuclear physics that is preferably aligned with one of the Nuclear Science Division research programs.
• Provide leadership for talent management to motivate and assure a high-performing organization through effective recruitment, mentoring, career development, performance management, retention, and succession planning, and proactively promoting and exemplifying stewardship values, to cultivate the next generation researchers and leaders.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent education/experience in nuclear physics or a related field, and at least 10 years of professional experience post doctorate.
• Internationally recognized scientific leader with a distinguished record of research accomplishments.
• Significant experience and demonstrated competence in the management of scientific projects, collaborative research programs, and a substantial multi-program research portfolio, including safety, financial stewardship, resource prioritization, workforce planning, and long-term program sustainability, including maintaining an active research program.
• Ability to interact effectively with funding agencies, including the DOE, and demonstrated ability to initiate substantial new research efforts and collaborations.
• Demonstrated scientific and strategic leadership ability applicable to running a large, diverse, team-oriented organization with a multidisciplinary group of scientists and engineers.
• Demonstrated experience in effective management and administrative oversight, creativity in decision making and problem solving, experience in human resource management and a commitment to mentoring and career development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to interact at the highest level of management, both internally and externally, in a constructive and collaborative manner and in a way that appropriately represents the Laboratory.
• Commitment to upholding the Laboratory's stewardship principles, especially with regard to the Lab's research, people, and resources.

Application Guidelines:

• Please submit your CV and letter of interest by September 21, 2026, for priority consideration.
• In the cover letter, please highlight (i) your interest and vision for the position, (ii) relevant organizational leadership experience, and (iii) relevant research accomplishments.

Notes:

• Appointment Type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid). The Nuclear Science Division Director position is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• Salary Range: The expected salary range for this position is $320,000 - $375,000. The final salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and will be aligned with the internal leadership peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range.
• 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.
• Designated Official: This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, any hiring decision may depend in part on Berkeley Lab's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorizations as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ("green card holder"), asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
• Work Modality: This position requires regular on-site presence at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, with business travel.

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The University of California Office of National Laboratories
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.