2026 Luis W Alvarez and Grace M Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowships

Luis W. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship and Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship in Computing Sciences

The Computing Sciences Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is now accepting applications for two distinguished postdoctoral fellowships in Computing Sciences:

• Luis W. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship, and

• Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Researchers in computer science, mathematics, data science, or any computational science discipline who have received their Ph.D. and have completed no more than three years of postdoctoral work are encouraged to apply.  Only one (1) application is needed, and it will be considered for both postdoctoral fellowships.

The successful candidates will participate in research activities in computer science, mathematics, data science, or any computational science discipline of interest to the Computing Sciences Area and Berkeley Lab. Alvarez Fellows apply advances in computer science, mathematics, computational science, data science, machine learning or AI to computational modeling, simulations, and advanced data analytics for scientific discovery in materials science, biology, astronomy, environmental science, energy, particle physics, genomics, and other scientific domains. Hopper Fellows concentrate on the development and optimization of scientific and engineering applications leveraging high-speed network capability provided by the Energy Sciences Network or run on next-generation high performance computing and data systems hosted by the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center at Berkeley Lab.

Since its founding in 2002, Berkeley Lab’s Luis W. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship (go.lbl.gov/alvarez) has cultivated exceptional early career scientists who have gone on to make outstanding contributions to computer science, mathematics, data science, and computational sciences. The Admiral Grace Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship (go.lbl.gov/hopper) was first awarded in 2015 with the goal of enabling early career scientists to make outstanding contributions in computer science and high-performance computing (HPC) research.

About Computing Sciences at Berkeley Lab:

Whether running extreme-scale simulations on a supercomputer or applying machine-learning or data analysis to massive datasets, scientists today rely on advances in and integration across applied mathematics, computer science, and computational science, as well as large-scale computing and networking facilities, to increase our understanding of ourselves, our planet, and our universe. Berkeley Lab's Computing Sciences Area researches, develops, and deploys new tools and technologies to meet these needs and to advance research in our core capabilities of applied mathematics, computer science, data science, and computational science. In addition to fundamental advances in our core capabilities, we impact such areas as astrophysics and cosmology, accelerator physics, chemical science and materials science, combustion, fusion energy, nuclear physics, biology, climate change, and HPC systems and network technology. Research areas in Computing Sciences include but are not limited to:

• Developing scientific applications and software technologies for extreme-scale and energy-efficient computing

• Developing mathematical modeling for complex scientific problems

• Designing algorithms to improve the performance of scientific applications

• Researching digital and post-digital computer architectures for science

• Developing and advancing extreme-scale scientific data management, analysis, and visualization

• Developing and advancing next-generation machine learning, AI, and data science approaches for science

• Advancing quantum computing and networking technologies, software, algorithms and applications

• Evaluating or developing new and promising HPC systems and networking technologies

• Researching methods to control and manage next-generation networks

• Managing scientific data and workflows in distributed environments

Qualifications:

• Requires a Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, computational science, or related discipline.

• Candidates must have no more than 3 years of Postdoctoral Researcher or similar experience.

• Expertise with advanced algorithms, software techniques, HPC systems and/or networking in a related research field.

• Demonstrated creativity and the ability to perform independent research.

• Demonstrated excellence in a related research field.

• Ability to develop new cross-disciplinary partnerships that use advanced computational and/or mathematical techniques to produce unique lab capabilities.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to facilitate communications and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of advanced computing and high-performance computing.

Application Process:

1. As part of your application process, you must upload and submit the following materials with your online application.

   1. Cover letter

   2. CV, with publication list included

   3. Research Statement (no more than five (5) pages in length when printed using standard letter-size (8.5 inch x 11 inch) paper with 1-inch margins (top, bottom, left, and right) and a font size not smaller than 11 point; figures and references cited, if included, must fit within the five-page limit)

   4. Contact information (name, affiliation, and email address) of at least three (3) individuals who will be able to provide letters of reference.

2. Application deadline: October 24, 2025.

* It is highly advisable that you have all the required application materials and information ready and available prior to completing and submitting your application. Your application will not be considered complete if any of the above information is missing.

Tentative Application Timeline:

The Computing Sciences Fellowship Selection Committee is made up of a diverse representation of scientists and engineers across Berkeley Lab’s Computing Sciences Area who will conduct a thorough review of all applications received.

• Application deadline: October 24, 2025

• Review and Selection: October 2025 - January 2026

• Decisions made: January/February 2026

Notes:

• The selected candidates will be offered either the Luis W. Alvarez Postdoctoral Fellowship or the Admiral Grace M. Hopper Postdoctoral Fellowship based on their research focus.

• This position is expected to pay between $137,916 to $142,053 annually.  Actual salary will depend on the candidate's overall experience and expertise, including prior experience in Postdoc roles.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position.

• By applying to this role, your candidacy may be considered for other relevant positions within Computing Sciences.  If you see a separate opening that matches your interests and qualifications, however, you are encouraged to apply.

• Work may be performed on-site, or hybrid. Work must be performed within the United States. Starting May 7, 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.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

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.