Physicist Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

23h • $142,116 - $157,068

About The Position

Berkeley Lab’s Laser Technologies Group is hiring a Career-Track Research Scientist to develop advanced laser-matter interaction processes and fabricate next-generation optical devices. The work focuses on using femtosecond laser technologies to engineer complex 3D architectures and functional optical components, connecting fundamental laser physics with the realization of scalable, high-performance photonic devices.

The position is a full-time, one-year career-track term appointment. It may be renewed for up to five years or converted to a career appointment, depending on satisfactory performance, continuing funding, and operational needs. The role is eligible for flexible work arrangements; onsite or hybrid work is preferred, while full-time telework or remote work may be considered. Hybrid employees must live within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab, and schedules depend on business needs. The position is subject to a background check and a finalist misconduct disclosure requirement.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related experimental field.
• Demonstrated experience in femtosecond 3D additive manufacturing techniques, including examples such as 3D Direct Laser Writing, Multiphoton Metal Reduction, and Laser-Induced Forward Transfer.
• Experience developing THz time-domain spectroscopy systems.
• Strong background in fundamental nonlinear physics and multiphoton processes underlying ultrafast laser-matter interactions.
• Experience in optics, experimental system design, and construction of advanced optical setups.
• Proficiency with advanced femtosecond 3D manufacturing processes and tunable optics fabrication.
• Knowledge of hyperspectral imaging and detector requirements.
• Proficiency with advanced material characterization techniques, including morphological, composition, and phase characterization.
• Knowledge of optics simulation, including electromagnetic simulation software and classical optics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both in a team and independently.
• Ability to publish research and present results at conferences, program reviews, and DOE independent assessments.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research in ultrafast laser-material interactions, including 3D additive manufacturing and surface fabrication.
• Design and fabricate advanced optical components, including optically or electrically tunable 3D optics.
• Conduct fundamental studies of laser-matter interaction mechanisms 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 solutions 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 technical proposals and manuscripts, and represent the Laboratory at scientific meetings and program reviews.
• Build a network of contacts and collaborators in the research field and at funding agencies.
• Prepare funding proposals and report research progress to funders.
• Present findings at seminars and conferences.
• Adhere to LBNL and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.
• Publish research and present results in conferences, program reviews, and DOE independent assessments.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401(k)-style plans.
• Vacation and sick time.
• Annual Winter Holiday Shutdown.
• Parental bonding leave for mothers and fathers.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior