Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics division. This position will join the Fusion Science & Ion Beam Technology Program in the ATAP Division. As part of our Quantum-Information-Science projects, the successful candidate(s) will contribute to the development of color center synthesis, characterization, and integration for quantum sensing and quantum networking applications.

Working closely with scientists and engineers within our Program, the postdoc(s) will design, implement, and utilize novel instrumentation and modified instruments to form color centers using particle beams and lasers. A focus of the research will be on the characterization of multiple qubits systems. Integration of these color centers for quantum information science applications is also of interest.

The position involves collaborations with researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and LaserNetUS facilities, where experiments on color center formation using laser-driven ion pulses are conducted. Additionally, the postdoc(s) will interact with a theory group at LBNL to advance our understanding of color center formation kinetics and coherence properties in materials such as diamond, silicon, and other semiconductors.

You will:

• Participate in the design of a multi-qubit readout system.
• Participate in the design, operation, and analysis of beam times at high-power laser facilities, such as BELLA, Titan (LLNL), and PHELIX (GSI, Germany).
• Prepare and measure samples using photoluminescence at room temperature and using a dilution refrigerator.
• Prepare samples in a micro-fabrication facility (e.g., the Nanolab at the University of California, Berkeley)
• Prepare samples and measure transition temperatures of superconductors using a dilution refrigerator.
• Collaborate on experiments, working closely with LBNL scientists, engineers, other Postdocs and students. Communicate results through internal reports, internal and external presentations.
• Document and communicate results of work in peer-reviewed journal publications and oral presentations.
• Proactively promote and participate in matters relating to safety and environmentally sensitive work practices.
• Adhere to Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) policies and attend training classes as required.
• Along with senior project team members, may mentor undergraduate and graduate students and visitors.

We are looking for:

• Recent Ph.D. degree in physics or related field.
• Experience with two or more of the following areas:
  • Color center characterization, e.g., magneto-optical characterization, spin-read out, and confocal microscopy with a focus on diamond and silicon.
  • Quantum sensing or quantum networking applications of color centers.
  • Conducting experiments with ion beams and lasers.
  • Measuring transition temperature of superconductors.
• Ability to work independently.
• Relevant publication record and demonstration of proficient written and oral presentation of scientific results.
• Ability to work effectively in a team that includes engineers, scientific staff, technicians, and students.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and visitors.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by January 22, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Postdoctoral Scholars: 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: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $5,756 - $9,136/month and is expected to start at $7,987/month or above based on a step schedule. 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 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.

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.