Postdoctoral Researcher - Nanofabrication & Biomolecular Surface Engineering

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Materials Science Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to join the Nanofabrication Facility at the Molecular Foundry-an internationally recognized user facility at the forefront of nanoscale science.

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to lead cutting-edge work in biomimetic polypeptoid surface functionalization, with applications in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) and heterogeneous integration. The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research across cleanroom nanofabrication, biomolecular self-assembly, and advanced imaging, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities at LBNL. This role offers a unique chance to engage in high-profile, DOE-funded collaborations with leading experts through the Center for High Precision Patterning Science (CHiPPS) and the Microelectronics Energy Efficiency Research Center for Advanced Technologies (MEERCAT).

The successful candidate will be based at the Molecular Foundry, a world-renowned research hub dedicated to nanoscale science, where they will work in a highly collaborative and mentorship-driven environment. This position provides opportunities for professional growth, networking with top-tier scientists, and publishing in top-rated scientific journals while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in nanofabrication and biomolecular engineering.

What You Will Do:

• Design and execute research in biomolecular self-assembly and surface functionalization for nanofabrication applications.
• Synthesize polypeptoids, biopolymers, and other functional materials for next-generation surface engineering.
• Utilize cleanroom nanofabrication techniques, including photolithography, e-beam lithography, and plasma etching.
• Perform advanced imaging and characterization techniques: SEM, AFM, optical microscopy, HPLC, MS, TGA.
• Develop templates and structures from self-assembled biomolecules.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across academia and industry, engaging in high-impact research.
• Publish findings in top-tier scientific journals and present at leading national conferences.
• Provide mentorship and training to students and junior researchers while fostering an inclusive research culture.
• Maintain a strong commitment to laboratory safety and research excellence.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Employ high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy techniques: TEM, GISAXS, XPS, GPC, NMR, X-ray scattering.
• Perform image processing and programming for data analysis.
• Develop computational models related to molecular self-assembly.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Soft-Matter Physics, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in biomolecular or macromolecular self-assembly.
• Experience with synthetic biology, polypeptoids, and protein/DNA engineering.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to a positive safety culture.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with materials characterization (TEM, XPS, HPLC, NMR, DLS, TGA).
• Proficiency in cleanroom fabrication techniques (ICP-RIE, ALD, PECVD, SEM, AFM).
• Background in surface functionalization using polymer brushes or ligand exchange.
• Programming experience for image processing or computational modeling.

Notes:

• 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.
• 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 $7,716.00 - $8,619.00 and is expected to start at $7,716.00 or above.

• 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.
• 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 will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. In support of our rich community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.