Postdoctoral Researcher - Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics

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!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Cover letter
• CV

• 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.

• 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…