Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will work at the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division (ATAP) to conduct R&D on the development of high performance superconducting wires, magnet cables, and insulations, and the fabrication and testing of prototype coils. In this role, work will be performed within the Berkeley Center of Magnet Technology (BCMT) and Superconducting Magnet Program (SMP) as a member of a team of physicists, engineers, technologists and students.  The postdoctoral scholar will perform research to improve conductor performance and address issues relevant to high field magnets, and in particular support advancing Bi-2212 and other high-temperature superconductors to maturity for large-scale magnet constructions.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct original research of high-field superconductors and magnets independently and in collaborations.

• Assist the project principal investigator to coordinate a multi-institution research team, and work closely with task lead to identify critical tasks and produce results on schedule pertaining to Bi-2212 powder and wire fabrication, heat treatment, microscopy and high-field transport and magnetic measurements. 

• Perform heat transfer simulation and measurement of a superconducting Bi-2212 coil inside a high-pressure furnace. 

• Contribute to the development of  new insulation for Bi-2212 cables and collaborate to scale up the process.

• Contribute to prototype Bi-2212 coil design, winding, instrumentation, and high current tests, including potentially testing Bi-2212 coils inside Nb3Sn magnets in a hybrid configuration.

• Perform microscopy on strands and superconducting cables if necessary. Prepare metallographic samples and acquire cross-section images using optical and electron microscopy. Run image analysis scripts.

• Perform high-field transport and magnetic measurements of superconducting strands at LBNL and external facilities if necessary.

• Explore new concepts of superconducting magnets; may be asked to contribute to running experiments and cryogenic tests enabling operation and test of a persistent-mode superconducting magnet; particularly a SQUID-based magnetometer for high sensitivity (ppb per day) magnetic field measurement. 

• Assist with coil fabrication, particularly with superconducting joint fabrication (Nb-Ti). 

• Present results at collaboration meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences and publish in refereed journals.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Potentially contribute to development of other high-temperature superconductors, including coil fabrication and tests.

• Mentor students as needed.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related subjects, preferably with substantial experience in applied superconductivity and cryogenics.

• Demonstrated experience and publication record in the field of superconducting wire engineering, and superconducting coil development. 

• Excellent experimental techniques in superconductor microscopy, transport, magnetization characterization experiments, and operation of cryogenic apparatus. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication and prioritization/organization skills.

• Ability to work under supervision and to adhere to project schedule.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment that includes engineers, scientific staff, technicians, and students.

Desired Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience with optical and scanning electron microscopy, heat treatment, and high-field electric and magnetic measurements.

• Hands-on experience with operating or constructing a SQUID magnetometer. 

• Ability to run heat transfer analysis and simulations.

• Understanding electrical tests and mechanical engineering concepts relevant for superconducting coil component fabrication and assemblies. Experience with LabVIEW programming, CAD modeling experience, machine shop experience are a plus.

Salary:

The monthly salary range for this position is $4,636-$7,371 and is expected to start at $6,477 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 experience.

Notes:

• 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.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• 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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