Assistant Researcher - Physics Department
Position overview
Position title: Assistant Researcher
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t13-b.pdf A reasonable estimate for this position is $90,200 - $100,900
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 2025
Position duration: One year with the possibility of an extension depending on performance and continuation of appropriate funding.
Application Window
Open date: June 9, 2025
Next review date: Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Jul 10, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Lanzara Lab at UC Berkeley investigates the electronic properties of quantum materials, including topological insulators and high-temperature superconductors. We are seeking a highly motivated Assistant Researcher with deep expertise in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), terahertz spectroscopy including pump-probe techniques, in the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of topological materials and machine learning.
The successful candidate will play a leading role in advancing the frontiers of ARPES by integrating machine learning and data-driven approaches to uncover hidden patterns and accelerate the discovery of novel quantum phases. They will expand current setups to the mid-IR pumping regime to study metastable states under in-operando conditions and investigate how many-body interactions and coherent excitations can drive or stabilize topological and quantum phase transitions.
This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of experiment, computation, and materials design. The Assistant Researcher will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to tool development and manuscript preparation. They will also mentor junior lab members and participate actively in scientific discussions, group meetings, and presentations.
A key component of this role is the development of an independent research program. The researcher will be expected to lead grant proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and industry, and will be encouraged to pursue original research directions-particularly those that build on the lab's core strengths while contributing new dimensions to Berkeley's broader quantum materials mission. This includes pioneering experimental methodologies, developing AI/ML-integrated spectroscopies, or establishing new collaborative frameworks that connect fundamental science with emerging applications.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a researcher eager to drive innovation in ARPES, push the boundaries of quantum materials discovery, and shape an independent scientific vision within a vibrant and collaborative research environment.
Labor Contract: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/academic-researchers/contract/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Ph.D. or equivalent International Degree
Preferred qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent International Degree in Physica or Materials Sciences.
- At least one year of Post-doc
- Expert in ARPES and Spin ARPES
- Expert in UV and mid-IR Laser
- Expert in the study of correlated materials and high temperature superconductors
- Expert in MBE thin film growth
- Expert in synchrotron radiation
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Statement of Research
Reference requirements
- 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04915
Help contact: leisa@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1-d). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community, which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
Job location
Berkeley, CA
To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04915
