Postdoctoral Researcher

The Berkeley Accelerator Controls & Instrumentation (BACI) Program within Berkeley Lab's Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to RF design and analysis for normal-conducting accelerator structures. The scholar will work on electromagnetic design, geometry optimization, evaluation of RF performance, and analysis and mitigation of higher-order modes and wakefields for linear accelerator (LINAC) structures and radio-frequency quadrupoles (RFQs) in support of BACI projects.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of beam physicists and mechanical engineers, translating performance requirements into designs suitable for fabrication and participating in the RF testing and validation of resulting hardware. You will also contribute to projects associated with the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) and beam diagnostic components.

You will:

• Contribute to the electromagnetic and RF design of normal-conducting accelerator structures, including LINAC accelerating structures and RFQs, for BACI projects.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of RF designs through numerical simulation, including geometry optimization and analysis of resonant frequencies, field distributions, RF efficiency, and other performance parameters relevant to each structure.
• Analyze higher-order modes and wakefields, and develop mitigation approaches, as applicable to the design.
• Collaborate with beam physicists to establish design requirements and assess how RF performance affects beam dynamics.
• Work with mechanical engineers and other project team members to incorporate fabrication, assembly, and tuning considerations into RF designs and participate in RF measurements, testing, and validation during hardware production.
• Document designs, simulations, test results, and technical decisions. Communicate research results through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications, as appropriate.
• Work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment and conduct work in accordance with Berkeley Lab safety requirements.
• Contribute RF design and analysis to projects associated with the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U).
• Contribute electromagnetic design and analysis to beam diagnostic components for BACI projects. 

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Accelerator Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing or analyzing RF cavities or accelerator structures using electromagnetic simulation.
• Demonstrated experience with at least one RF/electromagnetic design tool, such as CST Studio Suite, ACE3P, or COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Ability to evaluate RF design performance and use simulation results to guide design decisions.
• Ability to document technical work and communicate results effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with physicists, engineers, and other members of a multidisciplinary team.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience designing normal-conducting LINAC accelerating structures or RFQs.
• Experience with higher-order-mode or wakefield analysis and mitigation.
• Understanding of accelerator and beam physics, including the relationship between RF structure design and beam dynamics.
• Familiarity with mechanical design, fabrication, tuning, or RF testing of accelerator structures. 
• Experience with electromagnetic design of other accelerator components, including beam diagnostics.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 30, 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. The salary range for this position is $5,957 - $9,234/month and is expected to start at $8,266/month or above based on a step schedule. 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).

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 postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available
• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays
• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs
• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong

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.