Staff Research Associate

LBL • $96K — $122K *
San Francisco, CA 94112In-Person
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science.
  • Proven expertise in performing and interpreting STM/STS measurements.
  • Expertise in air-sensitive sample preparation and vacuum integrity.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects from data acquisition to publication.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct STM and STS measurements with a focus on superconductivity.
  • Perform hyperspectral STS mapping and STM analysis.
  • Coordinate the construction of a glovebox for air-sensitive samples.
  • Integrate STS and TEM studies on the same sample position.
  • Oversee AI-driven analysis of microscopy data.
  • Collaborate on superconducting qubit projects with research teams.
  • Summarize and publish research findings.

Benefits

  • Full-time term appointment with the possibility of extension.
  • Opportunity to work within a prestigious research environment.
  • Engagement in cutting-edge research advancing Quantum Information Science.
  • Collaborative culture with experienced teams in materials science.
Full Job Description
The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Staff Research Associate to lead a multi-modal investigation into the fundamental mechanisms of amorphous superconductivity to develop high-performance materials for next-generation superconducting qubits. This role focuses on conducting high-resolution Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Spectroscopy (STS) and establishing a correlative microscopy pipeline to align electronic data with atomic-scale structural motifs via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The Staff Research Associate will provide technical leadership to a small team of PhD students, integrating sample fabrication, AI-driven data analysis, and ARPES measurements at the Advanced Light Source (ALS). This position is central to LBNL's strategic mission to advance Quantum Information Science (QIS) by improving qubit uniformity and coherence.

You will:
  • Low Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscope and Spectroscopic mapping and time resolved Scanning tunneling Spectroscopy using a THz STM.
  • Hyperspectral STS mapping over large scales using MLA spectrometer and STM mapping of the electronic superconding band gap.
  • Coordinate the build up of a state of the art glove box for air sensitive sample preparation.
  • Coordinating the preparation of samples where STM/STS mapping and subsequent TEM studies can be performed on the same sample at the same position.
  • Oversee AI driven analysis of correlation microscopy measurements.
  • Collaborate with the Molecular Foundry team and UC Santa Barbara team on making superconducting Qubits from these amorphous superconducting samples.
  • Summarize findings in manuscripts for publication.
  • Supervise PhD students and collaborating Postdocs.


We are looking for:
  • PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science.
  • Proven expertise in performing and interpreting STM/STS measurements.
  • Expertise in air-sensitive sample preparation and the maintenance of vacuum integrity for sensitive superconducting materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects from data acquisition to publication in peer-reviewed journals.


Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Technical Facility Management: Experience in the operation and maintenance of glovebox systems for the preparation of high-purity materials.
  • Advanced Data Analysis: Expertise in MLA based Spectroscopic mapping.
  • Machine Learning (ML) analysis of large, multi-dimensional datasets.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Prior experience supervising or mentoring PhD students in a research environment, with a focus on project coordination and technical guidance.


Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 10, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type: This is a full-time 1 year, 9 months, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
  • Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected salary for this position is $96,264 - $122,688, which fits into the full salary of $96,264 - $149,124 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 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).
  • Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.


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

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