Postdoctoral Researcher - Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

PTO and holidays

Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave

Professional development

Inclusive culture

Job summary

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Molecular Foundry seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics to develop advanced theoretical and computational methods for understanding X-ray interactions with materials. Work closely with experimentalists to translate theories into numerical simulations and directly interpret results.

We encourage early-career scientists who want to blend fundamental theory with tool development and DOE user-facility

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or applied mathematics with a focus on theoretical modeling.
• Experience in quantum mechanics and light-matter interactions.
• Strong programming and computing skills (Python, Fortran/C/C++, Linux).

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and document computational methods for modeling X-ray interactions with quantum and nanostructured materials.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to formulate theoretical models and interpret measurements.
• Benchmark numerical methods against theory, experiments, or existing approaches.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to group activities, install software, and train junior personnel.
• Maintain a collegial and safe work environment.

Skills

Quantum mechanics

Light-matter interactions

Theoretical modeling

Scientific computing

Python

Fortran/C/C++

Linux

Data analysis with Python

Education

PhD in physics

PhD in applied mathematics

Tools

Python

Fortran

C/C++

Linux

Job description

The Theory of Nanostructured Materials Facility at the Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher - Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics to develop advanced theoretical and computational methods for understanding X-ray interactions with materials. Working closely with experimentalists and interdisciplinary scientific teams, the researcher will translate theories of electronic structure, magnetism, light-matter interactions, and structured or topological fields into numerical simulations that can directly interpret experimental results. The position is particularly well suited to an early-career scientist who wants to combine fundamental theoretical research with computational tool development and close collaboration within a DOE national laboratory user facility.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

You will:

• Develop, validate, and document computational methods and scientific software for modeling X-ray interactions with quantum and nanostructured materials.
• Work closely with experimental collaborators to formulate theoretical models, design computational studies, and interpret experimental measurements.
• Benchmark numerical methods against established theoretical results, experimental measurements, or existing computational approaches.
• Write and publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences, workshops, and collaborative meetings.
• Contribution to group activities - presentation of active research, installation of software, teaching and training of junior personnel, scientific collaboration.
• Maintaining a collegial, healthy and safe work environment for self and others.

We are looking for:

• PhD in physics, applied mathematics, or a related discipline with a focus on theoretical modeling.
• Experience in quantum mechanics, light-matter interactions, structured/topological fields for both photons and spins/dipoles.
• Experience in the development of mathematical models for complex physical phenomena related to electronic structure, magnetism, vortices/skyrmions, etc.
• Experience in translating theoretical models to direct simulation and interpretation of experiment.
• Strong communication skills including scientific writing and presentations, public speaking and scientific communication, graphical representation of complex data, and translation of scientific concepts across disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of programming languages and scientific computing environments: Fortran or C/C++, Python, Linux.
• Experience in the use of data science and analysis techniques for complex data sets, especially with Python.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Specific expertise in translating theoretical models to direct simulation and interpretation of experiment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with experimental researchers to connect theoretical predictions with measured data.
• Experience using high-performance computing resources for scientific simulation.
• Experience developing reproducible scientific computing workflows using version control and collaborative software development practices.
• Experience with tight-binding, density functional theory, and many-body condensed matter theory and associated software.
• Experience in machine learning applied to scientific research.

Required Applications Materials

• Coverletter
• CV

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our postdoctoral scholars by offering benefits and resources designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and life outside of work:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available.
• 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays.
• Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs.
• Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where you can grow your research career and belong.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 26, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $99,192 - $110,808. Postdoctoral 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.
• 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. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit:

careers.lbl.gov

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.