High-Throughput STEM Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a High-Throughput STEM Postdoctoral Scholar within the Molecular Foundry division. This position is based at the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) within the Molecular Foundry and focuses on electron microscopy studies of novel complex nanostructures and in particular libraries of upconverting core-shell nanoparticles synthesized at the Molecular Foundry.

The primary goal of the project is to develop joint approaches for 4D-STEM and EDS experiments and build advanced pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition and reconstruction on our new JEOL F200. The research will include a strong data science component to enable automation of experiments and analysis of correlative, multidimensional datasets.

Experiments will be conducted on multiple microscopes across the NCEM facility, with an emphasis on the F200 microscope. The project will also involve developing nanoparticle sample preparation methods using the Scienion SciTEM robotic dispenser. Supervised by Stephanie Ribet, the postdoc is expected to plan and execute experiments both independently and in close collaboration with staff, students, and users of the Molecular Foundry.

You will:

• Perform high-throughput S/TEM diffraction and spectroscopy experiments on materials science samples.
• Study structural and compositional changes in libraries of nanostructures, including upconverting core-shell nanoparticles.
• Develop open-source code for automation of experiments and analysis of multidimensional datasets.
• Prepare samples using the Scienion SciTEM robotic dispenser and conventional TEM sample preparation techniques.
• Publish original research work, perspectives, and review articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present work at group meetings and scientific conferences.
• Work in a safe and healthy manner consistent with Environment, Health & Safety guidelines at LBNL.
• Contribute positively to the active research culture of the Molecular Foundry.
• Support and contribute to the culture of diversity and inclusion.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience operating transmission electron microscopes.
• Experience with data analysis, preferably in python.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Excellent communication skills, a collaborative approach to science, and an ability to work effectively with scientists from different academic and personal backgrounds.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experimental experience with 4D-STEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
• Experience with microscope automation.
• Experience with wet chemistry or laboratory automation.

Required Application Materials:

• CV
• Cover Letter (1 page)
• Publication List

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 11, 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 $84,336 - $94,020. 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 click here).

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.

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.