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Postdoc Positions Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Postdoc Positions information

What are postdoc positions?

Postdoc positions, short for postdoctoral positions, are temporary research roles held by individuals who have recently completed their doctoral degrees. These positions allow scholars to deepen their expertise, conduct independent research, publish academic papers, and gain experience necessary for academic or research careers. Postdocs often work under the supervision of a principal investigator and may also be involved in teaching or mentoring students. The duration and focus of postdoc positions can vary depending on the field and institution.

What are the typical expectations for collaboration and independence in postdoc positions?

Postdoc positions often require a balance between independent research and active collaboration with faculty, other researchers, and sometimes graduate students. While you'll be expected to drive your own research projects and contribute original ideas, it's also common to work closely within a research group, attend lab meetings, and co-author publications. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as sharing results and methodologies can lead to new insights and opportunities. This collaborative environment can also be instrumental in building a professional network for future academic or industry careers.

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

To thrive as a Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (usually a PhD) in a relevant field, a strong research background, and proven publication record. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and grant-writing tools is often essential. Strong analytical thinking, initiative, and excellent communication skills help you collaborate, mentor, and present complex findings effectively. These skills are critical for advancing independent research, securing funding, and contributing meaningfully to academic and scientific communities.

What is the difference between Postdoc Positions vs Research Scientist?

AspectPostdoc PositionsResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD)Master's or PhD, often with more industry experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, universities, research institutionsIndustry labs, corporate R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and research institutesPrimarily private sector companies and industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic research, postdoctoral opportunitiesIndustry research roles, career advancement

Postdoc Positions are typically temporary research roles for individuals with a PhD aiming to deepen their expertise in academia or research institutions. Research Scientists often hold similar credentials but work in industry settings, focusing on applied research and product development. The main difference lies in the work environment and employer type, with Postdoc Positions being academic-focused and Research Scientists working in industry.

What are popular job titles related to Postdoc Positions jobs in California?

For Postdoc Positions jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Postdoc Positions jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Postdoc Positions jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Postdoc Positions jobs?

Cities in California with the most Postdoc Positions job openings:

Postdoc Positions jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoc Positions job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Postdoctoral Researcher - Machine Learning for Materials Science

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$99K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

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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