"Hoffman Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow -- Nuclear Nonproliferation"

The Darleane C. Hoffman Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship is a premier path for early-career scientists to lead independent, mission-driven research that supports the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) nonproliferation mission. Fellows conduct their own project, build cross-lab networks, and receive targeted career and leadership development through the Next Generation Nonproliferation Leadership Development Program (NextGen).

What You Will Do:

• Define project scope, objectives, and research strategies for an independent research project advancing nuclear nonproliferation.
• Manage project budget, schedule, and milestones; adapt plans as results emerge.
• Execute technical work and collaborate across disciplines.
• Operate and maintain experimental equipment and facilities to ensure high-quality data.
• Communicate results through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and sponsor engagement.
• Build collaborative networks across Berkeley Lab and the DOE national laboratory complex.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, high-performing research environment.
• Participate in NextGen programming in scientific leadership, project management, nuclear nonproliferation, and career development.
• Engage in seminars, workshops, and group meetings to broaden scientific perspective and support growth.

What is Required:

• PhD in a technical field such as chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline, with no more than three years of prior postdoctoral experience.
• Strong academic track record shown through publications and scientific presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with sound scientific judgment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to working safely and in full compliance with regulations and best practices.
• Demonstrated interest in R&D related to nuclear nonproliferation.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Be prepared to provide documentation during the clearance process.

Required Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter - Briefly describing the candidate's background, previous research experience as it relates to NextGen research areas, their interest in the nuclear nonproliferation mission of the US government, their career to date, and their long-range career goals.
• Summary of Ph.D. thesis (1 page)
• Two letters of recommendation - Applicants should submit at least two letters of recommendation from a professional contact. Ideally, one or both of your professional recommendations will come from a current or former direct supervisor. Academic recommendations are also welcomed.

For full consideration, please apply by January 31, 2026.

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 annual salary for this position is $110,000.
• 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. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• This position will be cleared to level Q. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE Q clearance will be processed/granted.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov