Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Nuclear Science Division (NSD) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will participate in fundamental research on energy transfer processes in radiation detection materials. Research will involve experiments using ultrafast light sources and detectors, pulsed x-rays, laser plasma accelerators, nonlinear optics, optical spectrometers, and characterization of samples using laser spectroscopy methods. It will require development of experimental systems from scratch, automation of measurements, the implementation of data acquisition, and diagnostics of laser systems. The goal of the project is to leverage advanced laser technologies for research of radiation detection materials and guide deliberate design of new materials tailored for the needs of nuclear nonproliferation missions.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct advanced research on energy transfer in radiation detection materials using ultrafast optical methods.
• Analyze optical spectra and provide interpretation based on physical phenomena.
• Design optical systems and diagnostics.
• Develop Data Acquisition systems and measurement automation.
• Characterize radiation detection materials using a variety of methods.
• Develop mathematical models to support experimental data interpretation and development of the future materials.
• 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 NSD and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements. 

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in experimental Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or other related fields.
• Experience with Laser Spectroscopy, Optical Spectroscopy, Quantum Metrology, or Advanced Optical Systems
• Hands-on experience in optical system design, development, and testing.
• 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.
• Good 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 Qualifications:

• Prior experience with Transient Absorption Spectroscopy or Time Correlated Single Photon Counting. 
• Prior experience with ionizing radiation detection and measurement.
• Experience with modeling of optical systems or ionizing radiation transport in materials.

How to Apply:

Please visit Academic Jobs Online to create a profile and submit the requested application materials. Note that applications will only be accepted via this Academic Jobs Online URL: 

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30070

The following requested application materials listed below must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online: 

1. Research Statement - 3 page limit not including citations and figures.
2. Curriculum Vitae – include up to 5 most relevant publications in the CV
3. Reference Letters –  Arrange to have 3 letters of reference submitted online by the reference writers at this site, with at least one, preferably two, external to LBNL/UC Berkeley.
   
   
   

Selected candidates will be required to provide two additional recommendation letters upon request.

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.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,562 - $6,670 and is expected to start at $6,317 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 experience.

• 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.
• 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.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich 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.