Postdoctoral Scholar

Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Storage & Distributed Resources division. The Postdoctoral Scholar will participate in the development of novel ultrafast laser technologies for remote detection. Specifically, this position involves research on generation of widely tunable GHz-THz femtosecond pulse bursts to optimize laser-matter coupling, plasma generation, and emission spectroscopy. Research will focus on femtosecond laser spatiotemporal pulse shaping with bursts of femtosecond pulses, imaging with single-shot ultrafast schemes, and high resolution plasma diagnostics.

This project aims to advance current capabilities for the remote ultrafast laser beam propagation in the context of developing the next-generation of remote sensing technologies.

This position has an anticipated start date of June 1, 2026.

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• 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)

You will:

• Construction of tunable ultrafast laser burst generation systems based on ultrafast laser amplifiers.
• Design of sophisticated laser beam delivery systems and temporal delay lines.
• Design and set up of ultrafast in situ plasma imaging and diagnostic systems.
• Spatially and temporally characterize laser pulses.
• Function independently and provide research support and assistance to other members of the group.
• Prepare and conduct technical presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Report research results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Carry out collaborative research with staff scientists, postdoc fellows, visiting researchers, and students.
• Adhere with ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in experimental Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or other related fields.
• Hands-on experience with construction of ultrafast laser burst generation systems.
• Prior experience with ultrafast laser systems and plasma time-resolved diagnostics.
• Experience in advanced optical system design and experimentation.
• Ability to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research team, collaborating toward goals, solving problems, and developing scientific ideas.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to author technical and/or scientific writing and present work in conference and review meetings.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative and diverse research environment.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience in ultrafast single shot imaging and ultrafast mapping photography.
• Experience with advanced optics for beam wavefront manipulation including adaptive optics and orbital angular momentum beams.
• Expertise in laser plasma spectroscopy (e.g., LIBS), pump-probe experimentation, or filament air lasing.
• Prior experience with optics modeling.
• Experience with basic surface morphology characterization technologies (SEM, optical/confocal microscopy, white-light interferometry).

Additional information:

• Application date:
  Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by May 4, 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:
  The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891/mo - $7,609.00/mo and is expected to start at $6,891/mo or above. 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 and/or related research experience.
• Background…