Postdoctoral Scholars
About The Position
The Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has multiple openings for Postdoctoral Scholars to join the Fusion Science & Ion Beam Technology Program. This role focuses on developing nuclear techniques for mining applications, specifically for the detection of critical minerals and rare earth elements. The position involves contributing to the development of Associated Particle Imaging and data fusion with X-ray technology and pulsed neutron techniques to create new methods for analyzing borehole measurements and mining ore products. You will work closely with scientists and engineers, assisting in the design, implementation, and utilization of novel instrumentation and instrument combinations for enhanced material characterization in critical minerals and rare earth mining through hands-on experiments and AI-driven analysis. Collaborations with researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and industry partners are expected. This role offers the opportunity to play a supporting role in addressing global challenges through science solutions and to work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes.
Requirements
- Recent Ph.D. degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or related field.
- Experience with two or more of the following areas: Conducting experiments with neutron generators and X-ray sources, Neutron, gamma, and X-ray detectors, FPGA-based data acquisition systems, Data fusion with traditional and/or AI methods, Coding (data analysis and instrumentation & control), MCNP or GEANT4 neutron transport simulations
- Ability to work independently.
- Relevant publication record and demonstration of proficient written and oral presentation of scientific results.
- Ability to work effectively in a team that includes engineers, scientific staff, technicians, and students.
- Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills.
- Less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience.
Nice To Haves
- Along with senior project team members, may mentor undergraduate and graduate students and visitors.
Responsibilities
- Assist and participate in the design, operation, and analysis of new instrumentation and technologies for active neutron interrogation to be used in boreholes (associated particle imaging)
- Assist and participate in the design, operation, and analysis of combining instrumentation such as X-ray transmission measurements, pulsed neutron sources and associated particle imaging for measuring unknown materials on a conveyor belt.
- Assist in the development of new data fusion methods (traditional and/or AI-based) to combine different measurement techniques
- Assist in the development of a new FPGA-based data acquisition firmware
- Collaborate on experiments, working closely with LBNL scientists, engineers, other postdocs and students.
- Communicate results through internal reports, internal and external presentations.
- Document and communicate results of work in peer-reviewed journal publications and oral presentations.
- Proactively promote and participate in matters relating to safety and environmentally sensitive work practices.
- Adhere to Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) policies and attend training classes as required.
- Along with senior project team members, may mentor undergraduate and graduate students and visitors.
Benefits
- Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
- Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
