Remote Optical Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Storage & Distributed Resources division. The Postdoctoral Scholar will participate in the development of novel ultrafast laser technologies for remote detection. Specifically, this position involves research on generation of widely tunable GHz-THz femtosecond pulse bursts to optimize laser-matter coupling, plasma generation, and emission spectroscopy. Research will focus on femtosecond laser spatiotemporal pulse shaping with bursts of femtosecond pulses, imaging with single-shot ultrafast schemes, and high resolution plasma diagnostics. This project aims to advance current capabilities for the remote ultrafast laser beam propagation in the context of developing the next-generation of remote sensing technologies.

This position has an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026.

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:

• 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:

• Construction of tunable ultrafast laser burst generation systems based on ultrafast laser amplifiers.
• Design of sophisticated laser beam delivery systems and temporal delay lines. 
• Design and set up of ultrafast in situ plasma imaging and diagnostic systems.
• Spatially and temporally characterize laser pulses.
• Function independently and provide research support and assistance to other members of the group.  
• Prepare and conduct technical presentations for internal and external audiences. 
• Report research results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Carry out collaborative research with staff scientists, postdoc fellows, visiting researchers, and students.  
• Adhere with ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements. 

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in experimental Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or other related fields.
• Hands-on experience with construction of ultrafast laser burst generation systems. 
• Prior experience with ultrafast laser systems and plasma time-resolved diagnostics.
• Experience in advanced optical system design and experimentation.
• Ability to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research team, collaborating toward goals, solving problems, and developing scientific ideas.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to author technical and/or scientific writing and present work in conference and review meetings
• Ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative and diverse research environment.  

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience in ultrafast single shot imaging and ultrafast mapping photography.
• Experience with advanced optics for beam wavefront manipulation including adaptive optics and orbital angular momentum beams.
• Expertise in laser plasma spectroscopy (e.g., LIBS), pump-probe experimentation, or filament air lasing.
• Prior experience with optics modeling.
• Experience with basic surface morphology characterization technologies (SEM, optical/confocal microscopy, white-light interferometry).

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by May 4, 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: The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891/ mo - $7,609.00/ mo and is expected to start at $6,891/ mo 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 and/or related research 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 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.