Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics division under the Berkeley Accelerator Controls & Instrumentation (BACI) Program. 

The focus of this role is to contribute to the rapidly evolving field of AI for science and technology, with a focus on developing hardware and FPGA-based control systems for advanced accelerator and laser control applications. Key research areas include superconducting RF cavity resonance control, superconducting magnet quench detection, and real-time feedback systems for high-performance accelerators.

You Will:

• Participate in the design, development, testing, and performance improvement of digital signal processing / FPGA-based Low Level RF (LLRF) control systems for accelerators, including multiple applications such as superconducting RF cavity resonance control, superconducting magnet quench detections, and beam-based undulator controls.
• Contribute to the implementation of LLRF control components, including electronic hardware, FPGA gateware, embedded firmware, and real-time control software.
• Perform hardware integration and system validation, interfacing with FPGAs, RF electronics, cameras, detectors, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Design simple APIs and GUIs as the user interface for controlled systems,
• Maintain code repositories, documentation, and software releases in compliance with DOE
• requirements.
• Contribute to publications and community dissemination under DOE open science policies.
• Communicate results through peer-reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Accelerator Physics, or a closely related field within the last 3 years.
• Proven expertise in the full FPGA lifecycle (Xilinx Vivado/Quartus), including gateware development, verification, and debugging.
• Demonstrated R&D experience in FPGA-based real-time controls, specifically Low Level RF (LLRF) or similar accelerator control systems.
• Hands-on experience integrating RF hardware, detectors, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Proven ability to work productively both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Develop and evaluate AI/ML algorithms for accelerator and laser control applications.
• Support model training, analysis, and benchmarking using simulated or experimental data.
• Familiarity with superconducting RF systems, accelerator instrumentation, or laser control systems.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 20, 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 $5,756 - $9,136/month and is expected to start at $7,987/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.

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.