Physicist Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Physicist Research Scientist within the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division (ATAP) division.

You  will conduct research and development (R&D) while contributing to projects within the Berkeley Center for Magnet Technology (BCMT) and the Superconducting Magnet Program (SMP). The research will focus on advancing superconducting magnet technologies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science research portfolio, including the national U.S. Magnet Development Program (US-MDP) for High Energy Physics. Areas of research include, but are not limited to, the design and development of high- and low-temperature superconducting (HTS and LTS) accelerator magnets; multiphysics modeling of HTS cables and magnets; design and experimental validation of subscale coils and novel HTS coil configurations; and investigation of innovative coil geometries and magnetic field combinations for future accelerator applications. You will work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and technical staff to support magnet fabrication, testing, performance evaluation, and the advancement of superconducting magnet technologies.

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!

You will:

•  Perform electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal design studies for HTS and LTS accelerator magnets. 
• Apply numerical models for multiphysics simulations of HTS, including electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical phenomena. 
• Contribute to the development and testing of novel HTS coil and cable configurations. 
• Explore novel coil geometries and field configurations for future accelerators. 
• Participate in the development and testing of advanced superconducting cable and magnet systems.
• Contribute to magnet test planning, execution, and data analysis. Contribute to the analysis and understanding of performance limitations of prototype superconducting cables and magnets. Contribute to the preparation of funding proposals for research projects.
• Work collaboratively with BCMT, SMP and ATAP scientists, engineers, postdocs, technicians, and students, to fully leverage expertise and capabilities for R&D efforts.
• Conduct independent research, towards specific goals of the SMP and the US-MDP, independently planning and completing assigned research tasks and contributing to larger collaborative projects. Document research findings, procedures and results. Present results at collaboration meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Adhere to Environment, Safety, and Health (EH&S) policies and practices.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience in superconducting magnet design for both HTS and LTS systems. 
• Experience with numerical modeling methods for HTS. 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze technical results, and communicate scientific findings through publications, presentations, or technical reports. 
• Proven knowledge related to the design of superconducting accelerator magnets. 
• Knowledge of finite elements and other numerical methods for advanced multiphysics simulation of high temperature superconductors. 
• Capability to be flexible and creative in pursuing new topics and carrying out forefront research in the area of high-field magnets, structural mechanics, electromagnetics, and thermal/cryogenic principles. 
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. 
• Ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively towards defined research goals. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desired skills/knowledge: 

• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in superconducting magnet design and analysis. Hands-on experience with HTS conductor for coil winding and/or conductor characterization. 
• Experience working effectively in a team that includes engineers, scientific staff, and technicians. 
• Experience mentoring students. 
• Familiarity with the use of high-performance computing (e.g. clusters) for design optimization. 
• Familiarity with preparing data sets for use with AI/ML based methods (e.g. training digital twins).

Additional information:

• 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. 
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $10,389 - $14,544 per month, which fits into the full salary of $7,792 - $18,700 per month 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).

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.