Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics Division has an opening for a Research Scientist (Career-Track) to join the team.
In this role, you will perform work within the Superconducting Magnet Program (SMP) in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division as a key member of a team consisting of physicists, engineers, technicians and students developing advanced superconducting magnet systems for science and technology applications. Primary role is materials characterization and research in support of the SMP programs and projects by conducting research in low- and high-temperature superconducting wire performance and cable and production analyses, including modeling (machine learning) and facility improvements.

The Research Scientist will work collaboratively with ATAP scientists, engineers, postdoctoral scholars, technicians and students, document and communicate results of work in peer-reviewed journals, oral presentations, and participate in meetings, conferences and reviews.

What You Will Do:

• Support on-going and future R&D projects in the US Magnet Development Program (MDP) and other efforts in ATAP by working collaboratively to increase the performance of advanced LTS and HTS superconductors for high-field applications, including High Energy Physics (HEP), Fusion Energy Science (FES), and other superconductivity applications.

• Conduct research and help mold the direction to improve the performance of superconducting wires, tapes, and associated cables in close collaboration with university, national laboratory, and industry partners.

• Execute experiments to characterize the performance of advanced materials in superconducting magnets, e.g. epoxies, insulation, solvents, and superconducting wires and cables.

• Provide materials science expertise on structural materials and components used for coil and magnet construction, and provide guidance on their appropriate use.

• Design and implement facility upgrades to improve measurement and testing capabilities and data quality.

• Contribute to the development of novel technologies for analyzing and correlating data from different diagnostic techniques, and develop models for their interpretation, including using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI-ML).

• Participate in community strategic direction management, including participation as international conference program committee members, technical editors in refereed journals, working group convenors, and equivalent.

• Assist submission of research proposals in response to funding opportunity announcements.

What is Required:

• Ph.D degree in physics, materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering, with expertise and a record of publication in superconducting materials and magnets, cryogenic instrumentation, and measurements.

• Normally less than 5 years of relevant experience in materials science and engineering, or mechanical engineering.

• Experience with broad multi-disciplinary expertise in large-scale superconducting cable and magnet applications.

• Broad experience in materials science and in the fundamental physics of superconducting materials.

• Demonstrated proficiency of written and oral presentation of scientific results.

• Experience in high field superconductors, development of systems and probes for cryogenic testing, programming languages and applications for data acquisition, software skills related to machine learning, and modeling techniques and data analysis.

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical support personnel.

• Ability to publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at seminars and conferences.

• Knowledge related to superconducting wire engineering and materials magnet engineering.

• Knowledge of image analysis, including tomographic images.

• Expertise in Artificial intelligence and machine learning.

• Excellent analytical, organizational and multitasking skills, project and time management.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Salary:

Research Scientist (Career-Track)

The full salary range of this position is between $7,256 to $17,415 per month and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $9,675 to $13,545 per month depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience plus also aligned with the internal peer group.  It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

Notes:

• In their application, the applicants are invited to include a cover letter detailing their qualifications with regard to the specific requirements mentioned in this posting, their accomplishments in the field of accelerator science and technology, and a statement describing their research interests.

• This is a full-time career-track (term) appointment with the possibility of becoming a career appointment depending on the employee’s performance and funds’ availability. The appointment is exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid).

• 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.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.
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