Physicist Research Scientist

LBL • $142K — $157K *
Berkeley, CA 94704In-Person
Technical Services
Less than 5 years of experience
More than 3 months ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Experience in femtosecond 3D additive manufacturing techniques.
  • Knowledge of THz time domain spectroscopy systems development.
  • Strong background in non-linear physics and multi-photon processes.
  • Expertise in optics and experimental system design.
  • Familiarity with hyperspectral imaging and advanced material characterization techniques.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to innovative research in ultrafast laser-material interactions.
  • Design and fabricate advanced optical components.
  • Conduct fundamental studies on laser-matter interaction mechanisms.
  • Manage multiple research tasks and optimize data collection processes.
  • Develop solutions for complex technical challenges involving multi-material integration.
  • Apply computational analysis to design photonic structures.
  • Collaborate with team members and contribute to technical proposals and manuscripts.

Benefits

  • Full-time, 1-year career-track term appointment with possibility of extension.
  • Flexible work modality options, including hybrid work arrangements.
  • Opportunity for professional development and collaboration with leading scientists.
  • Access to Berkeley Lab's cutting-edge research facilities and resources.
  • Potential for lateral transfer or promotional opportunity for current employees.
Full Job Description
Berkeley Lab's Laser Technologies Group has an opening for a Career-Track Research Scientist position.

As a Career-Track Research Scientist, you will use your expertise in the development of advanced laser-matter interaction processes and the fabrication of next-generation optical devices. The position will focus on leveraging femtosecond laser technologies to engineer complex 3D architectures and functional optical components. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between fundamental laser physics and the realization of advanced photonic devices, ensuring the development of scalable, high-performance solutions for a variety of applications.

You will:
  • Contribute to innovative research in ultrafast laser-material interactions, focusing on 3D additive manufacturing and surface fabrication
  • Design and fabricate advanced optical components, including optically/electrically tunable 3D optics
  • Conduct fundamental studies to unveil the mechanisms of laser-matter interactions in novel materials
  • Manage work plans for multiple research tasks, lead high-throughput data collection and analysis, and implement iterative improvements to system performance.
  • Develop creative resolutions to complex technical challenges involving multi-material integration.
  • Apply computational analysis and multiphysics simulations to design photonic structures and interpret experimental results.
  • Collaborate with internal scientists, research associates, and postdoctoral fellows to advance the group's technical capabilities.
  • Contribute to or co-author the writing of technical proposals and manuscripts, and represent the Laboratory at scientific meetings and program reviews.
  • Actively works to build a network of contacts and collaborators within their field of research and at funding agencies
  • Prepare funding proposals
  • Report research progress to funders
  • Present findings at seminars and/or conferences
  • Adhere to all LBNL and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.


We are looking for:
  • Advanced degree. in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related experimental field.
  • Demonstrated experience in femtosecond 3D additive manufacturing techniques - including but not limited to - 3D Direct Laser Writing, Multiphoton Metal Reduction, and Laser-Induced Forward Transfer
  • Experience in development of THz time domain spectroscopy systems
  • Strong background in the fundamental non-linear physics and multi-photon processes underpinning ultrafast laser-matter interactions
  • Experience in optics, experimental system design, and the construction of advanced optical setups
  • Proficiency with advanced femtosecond 3D manufacturing processes and tubable optics fabrication
  • Knowledge of hyperspectral imaging and detector requirements
  • Proficiency with advanced material characterization techniques (morphological, composition, phase)
  • Optics simulation knowledge, including electromagnetic simulation software and classical optics.
  • Excellent communication skills, including writing and presenting.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
  • Ability to publish research and present results in conferences, program reviews and DOE independent assessments


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related experimental field.
  • Project management experience
  • Experience in pump-probe experimentation
  • Strong programming and data analysis skills


Requested Application Materials:
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Publication list
  • Names and contact information for at least three individuals who can write letters of reference


Internally posted until 5/12/26.

The position will be exclusively available to current Berkeley Lab employees and those in layoff status with preferential rehire rights from Berkeley Lab until the date listed above. Current Berkeley Lab employees interested in a lateral transfer or promotional opportunity should apply online to be considered.

Additional information:
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time, 1 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.
  • Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $142,116 - $157,068, which fits into the full salary of $93,504 - $224,400 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: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes, though full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.


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

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