Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Energy Technologies & Systems division
Institute:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Country:
United States
Research Field:
Materials Science, Chemistry, Python
Posted Date:
Feb 01, 2026
Deadline:
Feb 19, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
NA
Postdoc position in the frontier of AI-enabled synthesis science and materials degradation
Project Description:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Energy Technologies & Systems division. The Hacking Materials group has confirmed funding to hire a postdoc to develop theories and software for materials synthesis planning and automated solar data degradation pathway analysis based on literature data. You will support two DOE projects at 50% each. The first project is the DOE BES Data-Driven Synthesis Science program in which the postdoc will combine literature data extraction, LLM reasoning, and theoretical materials science to guide synthesis protocols for automated sol-gel and solid-state synthesis science. The second project is the DOE CMEI Durable Module Materials Program for which the postdoc will use literature data extraction to understand degradation pathways of materials in solar photovoltaic modules.
You will work on:
- Programmatic LLM usage for literature data extraction
- Development of frameworks and procedures for agentic LLM reasoning over large scientific data sets.
- Developing theories for materials synthesis and degradation.
- Preparing presentations and reports.
- Writing peer-reviewed journal articles.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Demonstrable strong Python programming (programming portfolio required).
- Programmatic LLM usage, ideally within agentic frameworks (prior usage of frameworks such as LangChain/LangGraph a plus).
- Knowledge of computational phase diagrams, both applied and theoretical (prior published work in this area a plus).
- Broad knowledge of materials science across materials types (inorganic solids, polymers, glasses, etc).
Preferred Qualification:
- MongoDB databases.
- Prior development of Model Context Protocol (MCP) frameworks.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- 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.
Benefits:
- The monthly salary range for this position is $7,987 / mo - $8,921.00 / mo and is expected to start at $7,987 / 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.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.
How to apply:
Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 19, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Founded in 1931 by Nobel laureate Ernest Lawrence, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is a premier U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by the University of California. Located in the Berkeley Hills overlooking the San Francisco Bay, it is recognized as the birthplace of modern "team science," pioneering multidisciplinary research to solve global challenges. Berkeley Lab has a rich legacy of scientific achievement, including the discovery of 16 elements on the periodic table and receiving 16 Nobel Prizes. The institution boasts a diverse research portfolio, spanning computing sciences, physical sciences, energy technologies, biosciences, and earth and environmental systems. Key contributions include pioneering cancer radiation therapies, advancing energy efficiency standards, and mapping the accelerating universe. As a premier research center, it hosts major user facilities for the scientific community, including the Advanced Light Source (ALS), the Molecular Foundry, the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), and the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet). Today, the lab employs thousands of staff and visiting scientists working to find sustainable energy solutions, understand the fundamental properties of matter, and harness AI for scientific discovery.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following postdoc research positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.