Staff Scientist – Microelectronics & Nanofabrication
The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is seeking to hire a Staff Scientist in its Nanofabrication Facility. This individual is expected to develop and lead a research program in microelectronics research that highlights the role of precision materials synthesis, and to build a world-class user research program focused on these topics. Candidates at every level of experience, ranging from early-career (career track) to experienced staff scientist, are encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to join a vibrant research community dedicated to excellent science and international collaboration.
The Molecular Foundry is a national user facility for nanoscale science – one of five Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research Centers. These are shared resources for the scientific community, with access determined on a peer-reviewed competitive basis, free for public research. Approximately 1000 researchers make use of the Molecular Foundry each year. It is a multidisciplinary research center at the forefront of nanoscale science, and a knowledge-based user facility that provides state-of-the-art expertise and instrumentation to a diverse, national and international community, drawing users from academia, national labs and industry.
The successful candidate is expected to establish a leading research program with robust outreach to the broad scientific community to grow potential new user collaborations, taking advantage of our collaborative, interdisciplinary center. The Foundry operates under a 50:50 effort model, with half of the Nanofabrication Staff Scientist’s time devoted to user service and outreach, with the remaining effort devoted to developing a world class independent research program in the basic science of nanofabrication. Rather than functioning as an isolated laboratory effort, the primary focus is to drive the next-generation microelectronics research, while bridging precision materials synthesis, and automated data infrastructure.
Responsibilities at the Career-track level:
Design and lead a robust individual research program synergistic with the Molecular Foundry’s research themes around materials for microelectronics. This individual is expected to develop, resource (through additional external funding), and lead a fundamental nanofabrication program to investigate the impact of structure, function & dimensionality on modern microelectronics. Examples could include, but need not be limited to:
Leverage the fleet of existing nanofabrication tools (sputter, e-beam, and atomic layer processing and dry etch plasma tools) in our class 100 cleanroom, while maintaining their utility as a core capability for academic and industrial users of the facility.
Utilize these tools towards development and understanding of functional materials for CMOS and beyond with a focus on patterning down to sub 10nm dimensions.
Explore the frontiers of optical patterning for future microelectronic circuit elements through multi-photon lithographic patterning, 3D optical patterning, optically induced area selective deposition and etching, extreme UV, or other optical patterning approaches.
Combine the in-process data, materials characterization, and device performance into fundamental datasets to enable machine learning models capable of predicting the key materials properties and process parameters for highly performant microelectronic materials and device designs.
Develop a thriving multidisciplinary user program, recruiting users from industry, academia, and national labs, through the development of unique expertise and capabilities. Provide users with support through your own efforts, hands-on and with your expert knowledge, in the area of nanofabrication.
Share in user-related operations, maintenance/administration of our existing portfolio of tools, and development of new methods/recipes/capabilities within the Nanofabrication Facility.
Collaborate with other Foundry scientific staff members to provide scientific support for users and create and participate in collaborative research efforts beyond the single laboratory effort.
Collaborate with researchers within the Energy Sciences Area at LBNL (includes the Molecular Foundry Division and the Advanced Light Source, Materials Sciences and Chemical Sciences Divisions) and other areas to help advance LBNL’s microelectronics program.
Prepare scientific data for publication in and serve as lead conceptual contributor to manuscripts published in refereed journals; and present findings at seminars and conferences.
Provide mentorship and technical direction to graduate students, postdocs, and research associates during the management of internal research projects.
Maintain a safe working environment, adhere to environmental protection requirements for hazardous chemicals, and help instill safe working practices for staff and users of the Nanofabrication Facility.
Foster and strengthen a multidisciplinary, collaborative work environment that encourages respect and excellence.
Responsibilities in the Career appointment (in addition to the requirements listed above for .3)
Perform all of the duties above with a high level of independence and autonomy with demonstrated ability in translating research to high impact publications or patents for the above tasks.
Source, secure, and maintain a portfolio of research funding external to the Molecular Foundry along with external domestic and international collaborations within the scope of the primary research responsibilities for the position.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, or another discipline relevant to nanofabrication, nanotechnology and nanoscience.
At least 5 years of professional experience with nanofabrication, including at least 3 years of professional experience relating to the fabrication of microelectronics with demonstrated excellence in atomic layer processing, plasma processing, thin film deposition, and microelectronics device fabrication.
Ability and willingness to provide users with support through your own efforts, hands-on and with your expert knowledge, in the area of nanofabrication.
Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple research groups and disciplines, and a demonstrated capacity for adaptability and openness to different ideas and approaches.
Productivity in areas related to nanoscale materials research, demonstrated by (for example) publications, talks at national and international meetings, and patents. A typical record would include one presentation per year and more than two publications or patents per year, evaluated over a multi-year period.
Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
Demonstrated technical knowledge and practical hands-on expertise in nanofabrication including reactive ion etching, atomic layer deposition, electron beam evaporation, sputtering, electron beam lithography, and integrated ultra high vacuum systems.
Demonstrated technical knowledge of electrical test and measurement to characterize the resistive, capacitive, inductive, and non-linear active circuit element behavior for novel microelectronic devices.
Knowledge and experience of laboratory safety requirements and integrating safety into laboratory work practices.
Requirements for .4 Career (in addition to the requirements listed for the above .3):
Productivity in collaborative research.
Demonstrated leadership and independence in program development.
Evidence of prior successful funding submissions for fundamental basic science research.
Desired skills/knowledge:
Experience with automated experimentation, scientific data pipelines, statistical experimental design, or machine-learning approaches applied to materials synthesis, processing, or device fabrication.
Experience integrating multiple processes into semiconductor or nanoscale device-fabrication workflows and relating process conditions to materials or device performance.
Demonstrated experience contributing to competitive research proposals, collaborative research programs, or externally funded scientific projects.
Required Application Materials:
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of research experience and interests. (3 page limit)
Statement of User Support - Statement addressing future and/or past contributions to the institutional mission of the Molecular Foundry as U.S. Department of Energy User Facilities (1 page limit)
Additional information:
Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 23, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. A Career position will be considered for those who have relevant experience or for existing Career-Track or Term staff who have already exhausted the number of years eligible to hold a Career-Track role.
Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $129,924 - $207,900, which fits into the full salary of $129,924 - $311,820 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of 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 on-site, 4+ days/week, 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
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.