Jobs at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), often called Berkeley Lab, represent some of the most prestigious opportunities in scientific research. Located in the Berkeley Hills overlooking the University of California, Berkeley, LBNL is a United States Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by the University of California. Established in 1931 by Ernest Lawrence, inventor of the cyclotron, it has pioneered breakthroughs in nuclear science, materials discovery, and climate modeling. With over 4,000 employees and an annual budget exceeding $1 billion, LBNL drives innovation in physical, biological, energy, environmental, and computational sciences.
The lab's careers span scientific research, engineering, computing, operations, and administration. Positions attract top talent globally, offering access to world-class facilities like the Advanced Light Source (ALS) synchrotron and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), the DOE's primary supercomputing hub. Whether you're a PhD graduate seeking a postdoc or an experienced engineer, LBNL provides roles that contribute to national priorities like clean energy and quantum computing.
National Laboratory: A federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct basic and applied research. LBNL is one of 17 such labs.
Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc): A temporary position for recent PhD holders (1-5 years) to gain advanced research experience, often leading to faculty or staff scientist roles.
Staff Scientist: Permanent research position requiring a PhD and proven track record, involving independent projects and team leadership.
Synchrotron: A particle accelerator producing intense light beams for studying materials at atomic scales, key to LBNL's ALS facility.
High-Performance Computing (HPC): Using supercomputers for complex simulations, central to NERSC's mission.
LBNL offers diverse roles across divisions like Physical Sciences, Energy Sciences, and Earth & Environmental Sciences. Common categories include:
For a full list of university job types, explore our guide. Recent openings include postdocs in quantum materials and climate modeling engineers.
Required Academic Qualifications: Research positions demand a PhD in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, or related fields. For example, ALS postdocs need expertise in X-ray spectroscopy. Engineering roles require BS/MS in mechanical or electrical engineering; admin positions a BA/BS.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: LBNL prioritizes DOE priorities like battery technology, fusion energy (via the National Ignition Facility collaboration), and genomics. Expertise in machine learning for scientific discovery or sustainable energy is highly sought.
Preferred Experience: 3+ years post-PhD, 5+ publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Nature, Science), DOE grant experience, and collaboration on large projects like LSST (Large Synoptic Survey Telescope).
Skills and Competencies:
The application process starts on LBNL's careers site. Submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and references. Screening takes 4-6 weeks; interviews include seminars.
Actionable Tips:
Avoid common pitfalls like generic letters. Tailor to division (e.g., Joint Genome Institute for biology).
LBNL is committed to DEI through the Lab's Women Scientists and Engineers group, LGBTQ+ affinity groups, and the DOE's SULI program targeting underrepresented minorities. In 2023, 45% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds. They partner with HBCUs and offer unconscious bias training. The Inclusive Recruitment program expands outreach.
LBNL emphasizes balance with flexible schedules, 4/10 workweeks, and telework for non-lab roles. Benefits include 24 vacation days, parental leave, and on-site gym/childcare. The 200-acre campus features trails, shuttle to UC Berkeley, and Bay Area access for cultural events. Employee resource groups host socials; wellness programs cover mental health.
Jobs at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory offer cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. With Berkeley's innovation hub, LBNL is ideal for advancing science. See postdoctoral success and lecturer careers for more.
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