Chamberlain Fellow - 107487 (Division: PH-Physics)

Physics World; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union represented

Background check

Job summary

The Chamberlain Fellow at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is a 3-year postdoctoral appointment focused on experimental particle physics and cosmology. Fellows pursue innovative projects, collaborate with leading researchers, and contribute to publication and dissemination of results.

Appointments may include a 2-year renewal based on performance and funds. Salary is set on a postdoctoral step schedule with monthly pay and a $10,000 annual research supplement.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field, or expect to receive by appointment start.
• No more than 24 months of paid postdoctoral experience at start.
• Evidence of potential for high achievement as an independent researcher.
• Ability to work as a team member to accomplish goals.

Responsibilities

• Work on one or more existing projects in the Physics Division.
• Conduct research with a focus on experimental design, construction, execution, and data analysis/simulation.
• Conduct original research independently and in collaboration.
• Collaborate with other investigators on related problems.
• Prepare research papers for publication.
• Present research findings at seminars and conferences.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent researcher

Presentations

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Job description

Division: PH-Physics

The Physics Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) announces the competition for the 2027 Owen Chamberlain Fellowships in Experimental Particle Physics and Cosmology. The Fellowship is named after Berkeley Nobel Laureate Owen Chamberlain, who, together with Emilio Segrè, Clyde Wiegand, and Thomas Ypsilantis, discovered the anti-proton at the Berkeley Bevatron in 1955.

Job Details

Chamberlain Fellow – 107487

Division: PH-Physics

The Physics Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) announces the competition for the 2027 Owen Chamberlain Fellowships in Experimental Particle Physics and Cosmology. The Fellowship is named after Berkeley Nobel Laureate Owen Chamberlain, who, together with Emilio Segrè, Clyde Wiegand, and Thomas Ypsilantis, discovered the anti-proton at the Berkeley Bevatron in 1955.

The Physics Division’s experimental portfolio encompasses high-energy collider physics, neutrino physics, direct detection of dark matter, rare and precision physics, cosmology (instrumentation, simulation and data analysis). In addition, the Division’s program has world-leading efforts in particle theory, advanced instrumentation (detector development and microelectronics), quantum information science (sensing and simulations), and artificial intelligence/machine learning.

Research areas of specific interest for the 2027 Chamberlain search include (1) cosmology, (2) direct searches for dark matter, 3) rare event searches with quantum sensors, and (4) quantum simulation, each in connection with the LBNL Physics Division research program. For an overview of research activities, please see www.physics.lbl.gov.

Chamberlain Fellows are appointed for 3 years, with the possibility of a 2-year renewal based upon satisfactory job performance and continuing availability of funds. Appointments typically start in September 2027. Appointees will receive an annual research supplement of $10,000 in addition to the support from the research group. Background information on the Chamberlain Fellowship is available here.

For full consideration, a complete application with all reference letters should be received by October 18, 2026.

Salary range: The salary range for this position is $6,777 - $7,145 per month. The Chamberlain Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.

What You Will Do

• Work on one or more existing projects in the Physics Division.
• Conduct research with a focus on innovative experimental design, construction, execution, and simulation or analysis of data.
• Conduct original research independently and in collaboration.
• Collaborate with other investigators working on similar or related scientific problems.
• Prepare research papers for publication.
• Present research findings at seminars and conferences.

What Is Required

• Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field, or should expect to receive their Ph.D. by the time the appointment begins.
• Candidates should have no more than twenty four months in a prior postdoctoral appointment when the appointment begins.
• Evidence of potential for a high level of achievement as an independent researcher.
• Ability to work as a team member to accomplish goals.

Notes

• Appointment type: This is a full-time 3 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have no more than twenty four months of paid postdoctoral experience when first assuming the position, and any extension is subject to the constraint of spending no more than five years total in a postdoctoral appointment.
• Salary range: The salary range for this position is $6,777 - $7,145 per month. The Chamberlain Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Union represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• 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. Research may be conducted at other experimental sites as needed, including but not limited to Fermilab (Illinois) and Kitt Peak (Arizona). A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Why join Berkeley Lab?

• We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on.
• Exceptional health and postdoctoral benefits.
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• A robust Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association.
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers) and pet insurance.

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.