Come join Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division as an X-ray Optics and Machine Learning Postdoc! You will work on the forefront of scientific breakthroughs with the DREAM beam project and the ALS Computing team. This groundbreaking initiative leverages machine learning for automated alignment and cutting-edge x-ray adaptive optics to shape coherent x-ray wavefronts with nanometer precision, unlocking new possibilities for transformative research. If you’re passionate about innovation, machine learning, and collaborative science, this is your chance to make a mark at the forefront of x-ray technology!

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract about 1,600 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 15,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our team!

What You Will Do:

• Drive innovation by implementing wavefront sensing data analysis and adaptive optics controls.
• Build machine learning tools to revolutionize automated alignment of optical systems.
• Conduct hands-on measurements at a pilot beamline, turning ideas into real-world results.
• Collaborate with leading DOE light source facilities (APS, NSLS-II, LCLS-II) and amplify your impact across the scientific community.
• Contribute to Scientific Publications and Presentations
• Design and Optimize Experimental Workflows
• Integrate Multi-Modal Data
• Mentor Junior Team Members

What is Required:

• A PhD in Physical Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience in software development and familiarity with tools like Git for collaborative coding.
• Basic understanding of X-ray optics and a curiosity to dive deeper.
• A team-oriented mindset and strong communication skills to thrive in our diverse, interdisciplinary group.
• Experience with Data Visualization: Nearly universal and essential for communication.
• Interdisciplinary Research Experience: Common enough and aligns with the role’s diversity.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of adaptive optics (visible or x-ray).
• Hands-on experience with instrument controls (e.g., EPICS, Bluesky).
• Familiarity with synchrotron optics or beamline simulations.
• Proficiency in Python and a solid grasp of AI/ML principles.
• Background in Signal Processing
• Familiarity with High-Performance Computing scalability.
• Expertise in Optimization Algorithms
• Knowledge of X-ray Coherence Phenomena

In addition to working on cutting-edge research, you will collaborate with other DOE light source facilities and have the opportunity to further develop your skills in machine learning and adaptive optics. If you are a motivated and collaborative scientist or engineer with a PhD in a relevant field, apply now to join our team!

For full consideration, please apply by March 31, 2025.

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.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $7,716.00 - $8,619.00 and is expected to start at $7,716.00 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 and/or related research experience.
• 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.