Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Postdoctoral Scholar within the Scientific Data Division.

Under direct supervision, the post-doc will work in the Scientific Data Division at Berkeley Lab as part of the Computational Biosciences Group to perform research into control theory of neural population dynamics. This position has the specific focus of developing ML methods to assess the feedback controllability of neural population dynamics recorded from brain organoids. This position requires a high-degree of team work and interdisciplinary activities.

You will:

• Perform research in machine learning methods based on control theory applied to problems in neuroscience.
• Prepare write-up, attend meetings, etc.
• Write manuscripts
• Contribute to grant proposals
• Analyze data from projects, make plots, and present results

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, mechanical engineering, applied math, theoretical neuroscience, or statistics.
• In depth experience with control theory and machine learning for analysis of neural population data.
• Experience with scientific programing languages (e.g., C/C++, Python, and Matlab).
• Experience working in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and exhibit good communication skills.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with fitting parametric models to neural population data.
• Experience with high-performance computing.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: 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.
• Salary range: The salary range for this position is $8,570 - $9,935 and is expected to start at $8,570 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 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 may be performed on-site, hybrid. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

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