Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Research Scientist in the Superconducting Magnet Program within the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division (ATAP) division. The primary focus of this position is materials characterization and Super Intelligence (SI), commonly referred to as artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (SI/ML) research in support of SMP activities and projects.

The Research Scientist will investigate the performance and microstructure of low- and high-temperature superconducting wires and cables and develop and apply novel agentic workflows and ML methods for materials research, numerical modeling of superconductors, and surrogate modeling of magnet systems. The successful candidate will contribute to a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, technicians, and students developing advanced superconducting magnet systems for science and technology applications. You will collaborate with ATAP scientists, engineers, postdoctoral scholars, technicians, students, and external research and industry partners. The position also involves documenting and communicating research findings through peer-reviewed journals, oral presentations, and participation in meetings, conferences, and reviews.

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:

• Characterize superconductor microstructure in LTS and HTS wires, tapes, and cables (e.g., SEM/EDS, TEM, XRD, X-ray tomography) to connect processing, microstructure, and performance.
• Conduct experiments on conductor and magnet materials, including critical current, mechanical, and cryogenic testing of wires, cables, epoxies, and insulation.
• Apply image analysis and ML models to microstructural and tomographic data to quantify features and predict conductor performance.
• Contribute to the improvement of characterization and testing facilities to expand capabilities and improve data quality.
• Develop and evaluate data-driven surrogate models for superconducting magnet circuits and quench protection systems to support fast simulation, design optimization, and real-time diagnostics.
• Build and validate physics-informed models that link conductor properties to magnet-level electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior, using experimental data for calibration.
• Collaborate and communicate results with university, national lab, and industry partners through publications, presentations, and research proposals.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Normally less than 5 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience.
• Demonstrated experience in characterization of superconducting materials across length scales (e.g., electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and tomography) and at cryogenic temperatures.
• Experience in multi-physics numerical modeling (mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal).
• Experience developing and applying ML methods such as neural networks, clustering, and surrogate models, and agentic approaches.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals in relevant areas.
• Knowledge of materials science and the fundamental physics of superconducting materials, including LTS and HTS conductors in high-fields.
• Knowledge of superconducting wire, tape, and cable engineering and magnet engineering.
• Ability to perform in quantitative image analysis of microstructural and tomographic data.
• Experience developing cryogenic test systems and probes, and programming for data acquisition and analysis.
• Effective written and oral communication of scientific results, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project, and time management skills.

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 full salary range of this position is between $7,792 to $18,700 per month and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $10,389 to $14,544 per month. Salary will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, skills, knowledge, and abilities, including relevant education, certifications, and years of experience and aligned with internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• 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.