Assistant Researcher - Department of Nuclear Engineering - University of California, Berkeley

Inside Higher Ed

Berkeley (CA)

On-site

USD 124,200 - 156,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A higher education institution in Berkeley, CA, is seeking an Assistant Researcher with a focus on nuclear data evaluation. The successful candidate will collaborate with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the International Atomic Energy Agency to analyze datasets, compile nuclear data, and lead scientific publications. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering and relevant research experience. This two-year position offers a salary range of $124,200 to $156,000 with potential for renewal based on performance.

Qualifications

Ph.D. or equivalent international degree.
Experience with experimental measurements and theoretical modeling.
2+ years of post-Ph.D. work experience.
Demonstrated leadership in scientific research.

Responsibilities

Compiling and evaluating nuclear data.
Using C++ libraries to analyze datasets.
Leading research with the IAEA.

Skills

Experimental measurements

Theoretical modeling

Leadership in scientific research

Scientific publication preparation

Education

Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering

Job description

Position Overview

Position title: Assistant Researcher-FY-B/E/E

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. The current base salary range for this position is $124,200 - $156,000. “Off‑scale” salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system‑wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. For the current salary scale(s), see https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t14-b.pdf.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2026

Position duration: Two years, with the possibility of reappointment based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: March 13, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Mar 29, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Monday, Apr 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

The Nuclear Data Group and the Bay Area Neutron Group in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley welcome applications for an Assistant Researcher in the areas of nuclear data evaluation and experiment, which include compilation and evaluation of quasi‑continuum nuclear data, specifically nuclear level density and gamma‑ray strength function in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Measurement and data analysis in the areas of neutron inelastic scattering, neutron source data, and the neutron detectors used for these applications are also of interest.

The successful candidate will work at the forefront of nuclear data evaluation in a collaborative environment with scientists at the 88‑Inch Cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

This position involves compiling and evaluating nuclear data, using C++ libraries to analyze datasets, and leading research with the IAEA working group. Key duties include managing the full publication process, developing manuscripts, and disseminating findings in peer‑reviewed journals, as well as presenting at scientific conferences.

Labor Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/

Department: https://nuc.berkeley.edu/

Nuclear Data Program, UCB: https://nucleardata.berkeley.edu/index.html#about

Nuclear Data Program, LBNL: https://nuclearscience.lbl.gov/research/research-programs/nuclear-data/

International Atomic Energy Agency: https://www.iaea.org/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

Ph.D. or equivalent international degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering.
Experience with experimental measurements (using the cyclotron) and theoretical modeling (evaluating data) to support critical applications in nuclear technology.
2 or more years of work experience post Ph.D.
Demonstrated leadership in producing high‑profile scientific results.
Record of preparing scientific or technical publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

Application Requirements

Document requirements:

Curriculum Vitae — Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Research Statement — Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research. (Optional)

Reference Requirements:

3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05301

Help contact: cwelden@berkeley.edu

Job location

Berkeley, CA

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affitative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti‑Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.