Postdoctoral Fellow (XAS-FlexBrain)

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an exciting project: "Flexible brain-inspired hybrid analog-spiking neuronal network computation in energy-efficient neuromorphic hardware". This role involves collaboration with teams from LBNL, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and University of Southern California (USC).

The "FlexBrain" project pioneers a novel Al-assisted computing framework that combines spiking neural networks (SNNs) with analog neural oscillator networks (ONNs). This hybrid design mimics the brain's adaptable computational dynamics, enabling energy-efficient and context-responsive processing. Applications include analyzing real-time data streams in brain activity research and ALS’s X-ray spectroscopy systems to advance fields like nanomaterial and catalytic studies.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard X-ray, and infrared regimes attract over 1,500 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft X-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art X-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do:

• Lead XAS Experiments: Drive the setup and high-throughput soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) experiments on beamlines 5.3.1 and 7.3.1 to study material electronic structures.
• Innovate in Data Analysis: Co-develop AI algorithms and hybrid neural networks (HNNs) tailored for analyzing large XAS datasets.
• Collaborate: Work closely with scientists, postdocs, and students on experiment design and AI-assisted projects.
• Publish and Present: Share findings through scientific journals, conferences, and ALS community meetings.
• Safety and Compliance: Follow ALS safety protocols and ensure alignment with LBNL policies.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science or a related field.
• Experience with X-ray spectroscopy experiments and soft X-ray absorption techniques.
• Knowledge of artificial hybrid neural networks (HNNs), particularly in data analysis of high-throughput XAS.
• Independent and Innovative: Proven ability to lead experiments from concept to conclusion.
• Effective Communication: Strong written and verbal skills for collaborative work and scientific dissemination.

Desired Qualifications:

• Instrumentation Experience: Skilled with high-vacuum systems, photon, and particle detection.
• Micro-fabrication: Familiarity with patterned sample fabrication processes.
• Neuromorphic Architecture Knowledge: Background in brain-inspired HNN frameworks is a plus.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by November 20, 2024.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time 2 year, 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 has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,716.00- $8,619 and is expected to start at $7,716.00 or above. This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. 
• This position may be 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.
• Location: Work primarily onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.