DuraMat Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Technologies & Systems division. The HackingMaterials group has confirmed funding to hire a postdoc to develop theories and software for materials synthesis planning and automated solar data degradation pathway analysis based on literature data. You will support two DOE projects at 50% each. The first project is the DOE BES Data-Driven Synthesis Science program in which the postdoc will combine literature data extraction, LLM reasoning, and theoretical materials science to guide synthesis protocols for automated sol-gel and solid-state synthesis science. The second project is the DOE CMEI Durable Module Materials Program for which the postdoc will use literature data extraction to understand degradation pathways of materials in solar photovoltaic modules.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams! 

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will work on:

• Programmatic LLM usage for literature data extraction

• Development of frameworks and procedures for agentic LLM reasoning over large scientific data sets.

• Developing theories for materials synthesis and degradation.

• Preparing presentations and reports.

• Writing peer-reviewed journal articles.

We are looking for:

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Demonstrable strong Python programming (programming portfolio required).

• Programmatic LLM usage, ideally within agentic frameworks (prior usage of frameworks such as LangChain/LangGraph a plus).

• Knowledge of computational phase diagrams, both applied and theoretical (prior published work in this area a plus).

• Broad knowledge of materials science across materials types (inorganic solids, polymers, glasses, etc).

Desired skills/knowledge:

• MongoDB databases.

• Prior development of Model Context Protocol (MCP) frameworks.

For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Internally posted until 1/28/26.

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, 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: The monthly salary range for this position is $7,987 / mo - $8,921.00 / mo  and is expected to start at $7,987 / mo 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 and/or related research 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 will be performed 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.

• Relocation: This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

• 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.

• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

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.