Postdoctoral Fellow - Theoretical Modeling of Structured Light-Matter Interactions

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Materials Science Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in the theoretical modeling of structured light-matter interactions in the X-ray regime. This role focuses on developing and applying theoretical models to electronic, magnetic, and topological materials, particularly in support of collaborative experimental research. It is ideal for a scientist eager to work across disciplines, contribute to national user facilities, and push the boundaries of photon-based materials research.

What You Will Do:

• Theoretical development of materials models for electronic and magnetic structures from the atomic to the mesoscale.
• Theoretical development of X-ray interactions with materials for (focused) photon beams with orbital angular momentum.
• Collaboration with theory and experimental groups.
• Publishing and presentation of work in peer-reviewed formats and at national/international conferences.
• 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.

What is Required:

• PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline with a focus on theoretical modeling.
• Specific experience in quantum mechanics, light-matter interactions, structured/topological fields for both photons and spins/dipoles.
• Specific experience in the development of mathematical models for complex physical phenomena related to electronic structure, magnetism, vortices/skyrmions, etc.
• Specific experience in translating theoretical models to direct simulation and interpretation of experiment.
• Track record of collaboration with experimental groups.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed literature with multiple papers as primary author and experience in submission and revision of scientific publications.
• Skilled in scientific writing and presentations, public speaking and scientific communication, graphical representation of complex data, and translation of scientific concepts across disciplines.
• 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 Qualifications:

• Experience in software development practices, version control, user support.
• Experience with tight-binding, density functional theory, and many-body condensed matter theory and associated software.
• Experience in machine learning applied to scientific research.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by September 12, 2025.
• Appointment Type: This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 2 year (benefits eligible), Postdoctoral Fellow 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 Information: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,987.00 - $8,921.00 and is expected to start at $7,987.00 or above.
• Background Check: This position may be 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 click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.