Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Materials Science Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to join the Nanofabrication Facility at the Molecular Foundry—an internationally recognized user facility at the forefront of nanoscale science.
This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to lead cutting-edge work in biomimetic polypeptoid surface functionalization, with applications in Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) and heterogeneous integration. The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research across cleanroom nanofabrication, biomolecular self-assembly, and advanced imaging, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities at LBNL. This role offers a unique chance to engage in high-profile, DOE-funded collaborations with leading experts through the Center for High Precision Patterning Science (CHiPPS) and the Microelectronics Energy Efficiency Research Center for Advanced Technologies (MEERCAT).
The successful candidate will be based at the Molecular Foundry, a world-renowned research hub dedicated to nanoscale science, where they will work in a highly collaborative and mentorship-driven environment. This position provides opportunities for professional growth, networking with top-tier scientists, and publishing in top-rated scientific journals while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in nanofabrication and biomolecular engineering.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hands-on experience with materials characterization (TEM, XPS, HPLC, NMR, DLS, TGA).
• Proficiency in cleanroom fabrication techniques (ICP-RIE, ALD, PECVD, SEM, AFM).
• Background in surface functionalization using polymer brushes or ligand exchange.
• Programming experience for image processing or computational modeling.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Design and execute research in biomolecular self-assembly and surface functionalization for nanofabrication applications.
• Synthesize polypeptoids, biopolymers, and other functional materials for next-generation surface engineering.
• Utilize cleanroom nanofabrication techniques, including photolithography, e-beam lithography, and plasma etching.
• Perform advanced imaging and characterization techniques: SEM, AFM, optical microscopy, HPLC, MS, TGA.
• Develop templates and structures from self-assembled biomolecules.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across academia and industry, engaging in high-impact research.
• Publish findings in top-tier scientific journals and present at leading national conferences.
• Provide mentorship and training to students and junior researchers while fostering an inclusive research culture.
• Maintain a strong commitment to laboratory safety and research excellence.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS NEEDED:

• Employ high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy techniques: TEM, GISAXS, XPS, GPC, NMR, X-ray scattering.
• Perform image processing and programming for data analysis.
• Develop computational models related to molecular self-assembly.