BEXAS Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Advanced Light Source Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on developing Bragg-enhanced X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy primarily at beamline 11.0.2.1 using nanopatterned lattices and broadband X-ray beams for discoveries in solid/gas and solid/liquid interactions. A scientific background in X-ray spectroscopy and scattering along with experience with computing/programming skills will be considered for this role.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility that produces exceptionally bright soft and hard x-ray, ultraviolet, and infrared light. With a strong scientific reputation, expert staff, and advanced capabilities, the ALS attracts 1,600 academic and industrial users each year in condensed matter and quantum materials, energy sciences, biosciences, Earth and planetary sciences and more.

The ALS is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serves 15,000 users annually. Co-located with the Molecular Foundry, NERSC supercomputing center, and Berkeley Lab's materials and chemical sciences programs, it provides an ideal collaborative environment for innovative scientific discoveries. The ALS has been a global leader in soft X-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art X-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do:

• Design nanopatterned samples to be used in Bragg-Enhanced X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy experiments in collaboration with Molecular Foundry Nanofabrication staff. Apply for experimental time at Molecular Foundry.
• Perform broadband beam experiments at beamline 11.0.2.1 and complementary experiments at other available beamlines. Apply for ALS experimental beamtime. Collaborate with ALS Beamline Control Group and engineering to implement faster than currently installed X-ray detectors.
• In collaboration with ALS Computing group, develop real-time data analysis and interpretation code. Build a connection between experimental data, analytical solution and Monte Carlo X-ray scattering simulations.
• In collaboration with ALS Photon Science Development group, assess efficiency of alternative broadband X-ray absorption spectroscopy collection methods and their suitability for ultra-fast experiments
• Provide training to colleagues and write excellent documentation.
• Present research findings via oral presentations at scientific meetings, conferences, and research publications.

What is Required:

• PhD degree in the Physical Sciences, Material Science, or related discipline.
• Experience and deep understanding of X-ray scattering experiments
• Experience with development of analysis code for experimental data in Python or similar language
• Strong interest in learning new skills connected to X-ray experiments, data analysis, AI/ML, and X-ray optical simulations
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in experimental and analysis work at a synchrotron light source.
• General understanding of X-ray absorption spectroscopy and other synchrotron X-ray based techniques.
• Experience with electron and scanning probe microscopies.
• Experience using open-source Python software stacks for AI/ML data analysis.
• Experience with X-ray optical simulations and raytracing.

Notes:

• Appointment Type: This is a full-time, 2 years, 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.
• Targeted Start Date: October 1, 2025.
• Salary Information: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,716 - $8,619/month and is expected to start at $7,716/month or above.
• Background Check: This position may be 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. Starting May 7, 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

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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.