Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Geosciences Division has a great opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of Automation and Machine Learning for Clean Energy. We're on a mission to design automated mineral characterization platforms to quantify critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of automation, machine learning, and clean energy technologies.

Dr. Michael Whittaker will advise this position within the Living Minerals Group at LBNL. Our group is a multidisciplinary collaboration between national laboratories, universities, and industrial partners/sponsors comprising geochemists, geophysicists, chemists, materials scientists, metallurgists and environmental scientists at all stages of their scientific careers. Our mission is to apply cutting-edge experimental and modeling approaches to address pressing clean energy challenges in complex geologic systems. An outline of the research performed within this group and the personnel who execute it can be found HERE .

What You Will Do:

• Design and construct automated mineral characterization platforms.

• Develop and maintain minerals and materials databases for computed and measured properties.

• Create and deploy machine learning models for data collection, reduction, analysis, and visualization.

• Foster creativity and productivity in an independent work environment.

• Collaborate seamlessly within a multidisciplinary research team.

• Engage with laboratory technicians to drive project success.

• Optionally, supervise and mentor laboratory interns, fostering mutual growth.

• Contribute to the dissemination of research through peer-reviewed journal articles and scientific conference presentations.

• Play a vital role in producing progress reports and team deliverables.

What is Required:

• PhD in Earth science, chemistry, materials science, physics, or a relevant STEM field.

• Proven track record of conducting research that addresses fundamental questions.

• Proficiency in both experimental and computational methods.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and productively in a creative capacity.

• Strong team player with experience in large multidisciplinary research endeavors.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

• A history of timely publications showcasing your research contributions.

Why Join Us: 

• Be a part of a forward-thinking team at the forefront of clean energy research.

• Access state-of-the-art instrumentation at Berkeley Lab, enabling groundbreaking discoveries.

• Collaborate with experts from diverse scientific backgrounds in a supportive environment.

For full consideration, please apply by 11/30/23.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

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.

• Target start date for this is position is January 2nd, 2024 or sooner. 

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

• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,476.00 - $8,326.00 and is expected to start at $6,476.00 or above. Postdoc 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.

• 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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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