Research Scientist

The Research Scientist will investigate the performance and microstructure of low- and high-temperature superconducting wires and cables and develop and apply novel agentic workflows and ML methods for materials research, numerical modeling of superconductors, and surrogate modeling of magnet systems. The successful candidate will contribute to a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, technicians, and students developing advanced superconducting magnet systems for science and technology applications.

You will:

• Characterize superconductor microstructure in LTS and HTS wires, tapes, and cables (e.g., SEM/EDS, TEM, XRD, X-ray tomography) to connect processing, microstructure, and performance.
• Conduct experiments on conductor and magnet materials, including critical current, mechanical, and cryogenic testing of wires, cables, epoxies, and insulation.
• Apply image analysis and ML models to microstructural and tomographic data to quantify features and predict conductor performance.
• Contribute to the improvement of characterization and testing facilities to expand capabilities and improve data quality.
• Develop and evaluate data-driven surrogate models for superconducting magnet circuits and quench protection systems to support fast simulation, design optimization, and real-time diagnostics.
• Build and validate physics-informed models that link conductor properties to magnet-level electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior, using experimental data for calibration.
• Collaborate and communicate results with university, national lab, and industry partners through publications, presentations, and research proposals.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Normally less than 5 years of relevant post-Ph.D. experience.
• Demonstrated experience in characterization of superconducting materials across length scales (e.g., electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and tomography) and at cryogenic temperatures.
• Experience in multi-physics numerical modeling (mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal).
• Experience developing and applying ML methods such as neural networks, clustering, and surrogate models, and agentic approaches.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals in relevant areas.
• Knowledge of materials science and the fundamental physics of superconducting materials, including LTS and HTS conductors in high-fields.
• Knowledge of superconducting wire, tape, and cable engineering and magnet engineering.
• Ability to perform in quantitative image analysis of microstructural and tomographic data.
• Experience developing cryogenic test systems and probes, and programming for data acquisition and analysis.
• Effective written and oral communication of scientific results, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project, and time management skills.

Additional information:

Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.

Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.