Postdoctoral Scholar — Nanoscale Thermal Transport

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar — Nanoscale Thermal Transport  to join the Raja Group. This position offers an exciting opportunity to study how defects shape stability and performance in nanoscale materials for microelectronics. You will measure interfacial thermal conductance in 2D material systems using advanced optical methods such as time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) and Raman thermometry and non-linear spectroscopies like second harmonic generation (SHG).

This work is part of a collaborative, multi-institutional effort that combines experiment and AI-driven modeling to build multiscale understanding for next-generation devices.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct interfacial thermal conductance measurements using time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) and Raman thermometry to study 2D material and oxide interfaces; and conduct non-linear spectroscopies like second harmonic generation (SHG) to characterize the same.
• Prepare and characterize 2D heterostructures and interfaces for thermal studies.
• Analyze data and automate repeatable parts of fabrication, measurement, and post-processing (Python).
• Maintain and improve experimental setups; coordinate repairs, vendor communications, and procurements.
• Collaborate across institutions; present updates in group and team meetings and at reviews.
• Publish first-author and co-authored papers; prepare and contribute to user proposals (e.g.: Molecular Foundry)  and other funding efforts.
• Document methods and results with careful versioned records and cloud backup.
• Help train and mentor graduate students, undergraduates, and interns.
• Follow all safety practices and help maintain a safe, inclusive lab environment.
• Build robust automation pipelines (Python) for TDTR/Raman acquisition. 
• Drive cross-lab data harmonization meetings (AI + experiment), ensuring reproducibility and shared analysis notebooks.
• Co-mentor Foundry users/interns during beam-time-style measurement campaigns.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in time-resolved optical microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, including luminescence, Raman, reflectance, and non-linear spectroscopy such as second harmonic generation. This encompasses proficiency with associated electronics, hardware, and software control.
• Proficiency with Python-based or similar programming tools for data analysis and instrumentation control.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems, including the use of cryostats.
• Experience working with nanomaterials and nanoscale characterization techniques.
• Proven ability to independently plan, execute, and complete research projects.
• Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to effectively present scientific results, both in writing and orally.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, technicians, and students.
• Ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise updates—both written and oral—for internal reports, external reviews, and funding agencies.
• Prior TDTR or time-resolved publication; cryostat microscopy experience (optics + vacuum).
• Demonstrated instrument design/maintenance (optics, lasers, DAQ, vendor coordination).
• Experience with version control/notebooks for instrument control and analysis (Python preferred).

Notes:

• 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,757 - $6,903. 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.
• 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.
• 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

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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.