Phd Materials Science Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Staff Research Associate to lead a multi-modal investigation into the fundamental mechanisms of amorphous superconductivity to develop high-performance materials for next-generation superconducting qubits. This role focuses on conducting high-resolution Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Spectroscopy (STS) and establishing a correlative microscopy pipeline to align electronic data with atomic-scale structural motifs via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The Staff Research Associate will provide technical leadership to a small team of PhD students, integrating sample fabrication, AI-driven data analysis, and ARPES measurements at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). This position is central to LBNL's strategic mission to advance Quantum Information Science (QIS) by improving qubit uniformity and coherence.

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!

You will:

• Low Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscope and Spectroscopic mapping and time resolved Scanning tunneling Spectroscopy using a THz STM.
• Hyperspectral STS mapping over large scales using MLA spectrometer and STM mapping of the electronic superconding band gap.
• Coordinate the build up of a state of the art glove box for air sensitive sample preparation.
• Coordinating the preparation of samples where STM/STS mapping and subsequent TEM studies can be performed on the same sample at the same position.
• Oversee AI driven analysis of correlation microscopy measurements.
• Collaborate with the Molecular Foundry team and UC Santa Barbara team on making superconducting Qubits from these amorphous superconducting samples.
• Summarize findings in manuscripts for publication.
• Supervise PhD students and collaborating Postdocs.

We are looking for:

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven expertise in performing and interpreting STM/STS measurements.
• Expertise in air-sensitive sample preparation and the maintenance of vacuum integrity for sensitive superconducting materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects from data acquisition to publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Technical Facility Management: Experience in the operation and maintenance of glovebox systems for the preparation of high-purity materials.
• Advanced Data Analysis: Expertise in MLA based Spectroscopic mapping.
• Machine Learning (ML) analysis of large, multi-dimensional datasets.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Prior experience supervising or mentoring PhD students in a research environment, with a focus on project coordination and technical guidance.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 10, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 1 year, 9 months, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected salary for this position is $96,264 - $122,688, which fits into the full salary of $96,264 - $149,124 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of 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).
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.