Postdoctoral Scholar – Colloidal Nanocrystals: The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join the research groups of Staff Scientists Emory Chan and Samuel Blau. The successful candidate will develop and integrate cutting-edge capabilities for autonomous synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals using high-performance computation and deep learning. This role will focus on adapting an existing robotic nanocrystal synthesis platform, incorporating machine learning modules, and enabling closed-loop discovery of lanthanide-doped nanoparticle heterostructures for advanced applications in super-resolution imaging, optical computing, and additive manufacturing.
Postdoctoral Scholar – Autonomous Synthesis of Colloidal Nanocrystals
Summary Table
| Position | Postdoctoral Scholar |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Research Fellow |
| Research Area | Autonomous Synthesis, Colloidal Nanocrystals, Machine Learning, Robotics |
| Location | Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA |
| Supervisor | Emory Chan & Samuel Blau |
| Application Deadline | Until position filled |
| Contact Email | EMChan@lbl.gov |
Designation
Postdoctoral Scholar
Research Area
- Autonomous synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals
- Machine learning for materials discovery
- Robotic synthesis platforms and high-throughput experimentation
- Lanthanide-doped upconverting and photon-avalanching nanoparticle heterostructures
- Applications in optical computing, imaging, and manufacturing
Location
Molecular Foundry
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Berkeley, California, USA
Eligibility / Qualification
Essential:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field
- ≥1 year experience programming in Python (algorithm, data structure, and interface design)
- Exposure to machine learning fundamentals
- Experience with instrument control and chemical synthesis
- Skills in materials characterization (e.g., optical spectroscopy, microscopy, XRD, TEM)
- Proven ability to analyze large datasets and develop models
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Commitment to safety and accurate experimental documentation
Desirable:
- Advanced experience with machine learning (dataset construction, model training, architecture development)
- Experience with instrument construction or automation
- Expertise in colloidal nanoparticle synthesis
- Expertise in robotics, laboratory automation, or high-throughput chemistry
- High-performance computing or simulation experience
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop a Python-based pipeline for closed-loop control of the Freeslate CM3 nanoparticle synthesis robot (HERMAN) and associated tools/databases
- Integrate an in-line laser spectroscopy module into the robotic workflow
- Implement machine learning algorithms to guide robotic experiments and simulations
- Perform autonomous discovery of lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticle heterostructures
- Conduct material characterization using spectroscopy, microscopy, XRD, and TEM
- Analyze experimental data to develop mechanistic or statistical models
- Publish research in high-impact journals and present findings at international conferences
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to:
📧 EMChan@lbl.gov
Last Date to Apply
Until position filled
