Physicist Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory•Berkeley, CA

16d•$7,792 - $18,700•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Physicist Research Scientist in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division (ATAP). The role conducts research and development for projects within the Berkeley Center for Magnet Technology (BCMT) and the Superconducting Magnet Program (SMP), advancing superconducting magnet technologies in support of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science research portfolio, including the U.S. Magnet Development Program for High Energy Physics. Research areas include design and development of high- and low-temperature superconducting accelerator magnets; multiphysics modeling of HTS cables and magnets; design and experimental validation of subscale coils and novel HTS coil configurations; and innovative coil geometries and magnetic field combinations for future accelerator applications. The scientist works with scientists, engineers, and technical staff on magnet fabrication, testing, performance evaluation, and technology development. The position combines independent research toward SMP and US-MDP goals with contributions to collaborative projects. Duties include magnet design and simulation, development and testing of cables and coils, test planning and analysis, preparation of research proposals, documenting and presenting findings, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications. The appointment is a full-time, two-year career-track term appointment, renewable to a maximum of five years and potentially convertible to a career appointment, subject to performance, funding, and operational needs. Work is primarily performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California.

Requirements

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.
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.
Ability to be flexible and creative in pursuing new topics and conducting forefront research in 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 toward defined research goals.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

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 high-performance computing, such as clusters, for design optimization.
Familiarity with preparing data sets for AI/ML-based methods, such as training digital twins.

Responsibilities

Perform electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal design studies for HTS and LTS accelerator magnets.
Apply numerical models to multiphysics simulations of HTS, including electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical phenomena.
Contribute to development and testing of novel HTS coil and cable configurations.
Explore novel coil geometries and field configurations for future accelerators.
Participate in development and testing of advanced superconducting cable and magnet systems.
Contribute to magnet test planning, execution, and data analysis.
Analyze and understand performance limitations of prototype superconducting cables and magnets.
Contribute to preparation of funding proposals for research projects.
Collaborate with BCMT, SMP, and ATAP scientists, engineers, postdocs, technicians, and students on R&D efforts.
Conduct independent research toward SMP and US-MDP goals, plan and complete assigned research tasks, and contribute 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.