Physicist Research Scientist
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.
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)
Pet insurance
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
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 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.