Job Details

Staff Scientist - Nanofabrication Facility

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Base pay range

$129,924.00/yr - $207,900.00/yr

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) is seeking to hire a Staff Scientist in the Nanofabrication Facility. This individual is expected to develop and lead a research program in quantum phenomena focused on fundamental understanding and materials targeting breakthroughs in coherence and scalability for quantum computing and quantum sensing. Candidates at every level of experience, ranging from early-career (career track) to experienced staff scientist, are encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to join a vibrant research community dedicated to excellent science and international collaboration.

The Staff Scientist position at the Molecular Foundry is a full-time principal investigator position with a working model based on equal division (50%/50%) of effort between user support and independent, world‑class research. Beyond your own scientific research, you will support the research of a diverse and collaborative user community, who access the Molecular Foundry via a peer‑reviewed proposal process. Your unique research portfolio will attract and expand the Molecular Foundry user community and complement the environment of ongoing multidisciplinary research across LBNL.

What You Will Do

• Design and lead a robust individual research program related to the Molecular Foundry's research theme around materials for quantum science. This individual is expected to develop and lead a program on fundamental understanding of quantum phenomena in materials targeting breakthroughs in coherence and scalability in quantum computing and sensing.
• Develop a thriving multidisciplinary user program, drawing from industry, academia, and national labs, through the development of unique expertise and capabilities. Provide users with support through your own efforts, hands‑on and with your expert knowledge, in the area of nanofabrication.
• Manage research efforts surrounding the characterization and measurement of superconducting devices using our low‑temperature and high magnetic field physical property measurement system, as well as our ultra‑low temperature dilution refrigerator measurement tools.
• Use our newly commissioned quantum information science cluster deposition system and low temperature materials characterization capabilities to develop world class novel superconductor fabrication processes for next‑generation superconducting quantum devices.
• Integrate results from our materials deposition systems into unified data architectures enabling automatic characterization of superconducting thin films during growth.
• Combine the in‑process data, room temperature materials characterization, and low temperature material and device performance into fundamental datasets to enable machine learning models capable of predicting the key materials properties and process parameters for highly performant superconducting materials and device designs.
• Collaborate with other Foundry scientific staff members to provide scientific support for users and create and participate in collaborative research efforts beyond the single laboratory effort.
• Prepare scientific data for publication in refereed journals; and present findings at seminars and conferences.
• Supervise, mentor, and coach scientific and technical staff as appropriate.
• Provide technical direction to graduate students, postdocs, and research associates as appropriate, and assist in the management of research projects.
• Maintain a safe working environment and demonstrate respect for environmental protection, health and safety, and help instill those aspects in all staff and users of the Nanofabrication Facility.
• Maintain and develop a multidisciplinary and inclusive working environment using and building upon existing programs within the Molecular Foundry and Berkeley Lab.
• Share in user‑related operations, maintenance/administration, and development responsibilities within the Nanofabrication Facility.

Career Staff Scientist Responsibilities

• Perform all of the duties above with a high level of independence and autonomy with demonstrated ability in translating research to high impact publications or patents for the above tasks.
• Maintain a portfolio of research funding external to the Molecular Foundry along with external domestic and international collaborations within the scope of the primary research responsibilities for the position.

What is Required

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, or another discipline relevant to nanofabrication, nanotechnology and nanoscience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience with nanofabrication, including at least 3 years of professional experience relating to the fabrication of superconducting circuits and/or qubit devices.
• Productivity in areas related to nanoscale materials research, demonstrated by (for example) publications, talks at national and international meetings, and patents. At least one talk per year and two publications or patents per year.
• Ability and willingness to provide users with support through your own efforts, hands‑on and with your expert knowledge, in the area of nanofabrication.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, open‑mindedness, and the desire and ability to collaborate with multiple research groups across disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research in a diverse, collaborative environment.
• Theoretical and practical expertise in nanofabrication instrumentation including reactive ion etching, atomic layer deposition, electron beam evaporation, sputtering, electron beam lithography and integrated ultra high vacuum systems.
• Knowledge and experience of safety practices and safety culture in a lab setting.

Career Staff Scientist Requirements

• Be recognized as an active, high‑impact contributor in their specialized scientific field.
• Productivity in research knowledge distribution including an additional one or more talks per year focusing on user outreach or program expansion, and an additional two or more publications or patents per year.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience running or directing ultralow temperature characterization experiments including but not limited to electrical transport measurements, high magnetic field characterization, and low background (ionizing radiation, EMI, IR/RF background, vibration…) device and material properties characterization.
• Demonstrated ability in performing and leading research, and an established track record working in nanoscience at academic, industrial or other research institutions.
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively with others towards broader shared goals, using clear judgment.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and articulate a compelling scientific vision across all stakeholder groups.

Additional Information

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 15, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full‑time 2 year, career‑track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. A Career position will be considered for those who have relevant experience or for existing Career‑Track or Term staff who have already exhausted the number of years eligible to hold a Career‑Track role.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $129,924 - $207,900, which fits into the full salary of $129,924 - $311,820 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of 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 (4+ days of work onsite per week, with occasional work from home opportunities and travel‑related work opportunities). 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