DuraMat Degradation Analysis Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a DuraMat Degradation Analysis Postdoctoral Fellow within the Energy Technologies and Systems division. The HackingMaterials group has confirmed funding to hire a postdoc within the DOE CMEI Durable Module Materials Program (DuraMat) to analyze degradation pathways of solar photovoltaic modules extracted from the scientific literature. The group has assembled a large literature-derived data set of reported module degradation modes, stressors, and outcomes; the data are heterogeneous, incomplete, and often contradictory. The postdoc will act as a scientific "data detective," applying deep knowledge of PV materials and degradation mechanisms to reconcile conflicting reports, validate the data set against established degradation science, identify gaps in the collective literature, and synthesize new mechanistic insights by connecting findings across studies. This position is ideal for an experimental PV degradation scientist who wants to leverage their mechanistic understanding at the scale of the entire published literature.

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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)

You will:

• Analyze literature-extracted data on PV module degradation pathways, assessing data quality, consistency, and completeness

• Validate literature-derived conclusions against established degradation mechanisms (e.g., UV-induced degradation, damp heat, thermo-mechanical stress, delamination, metastability effects)

• Identify gaps and contradictions in reported degradation knowledge and formulate hypotheses that connect findings across studies

• Develop data analysis procedures (Python) to organize, filter, and cross-reference degradation reports across stressors, materials, and module architectures

• Collaborate with team members developing LLM-based literature extraction and agentic reasoning tools, providing domain feedback on extraction quality

• Prepare presentations and reports; write peer-reviewed journal articles

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Assist in outreach activities, workshops, and tutorials.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field

• Deep knowledge of solar PV materials and their degradation mechanisms, including accelerated aging protocols and stressor-response relationships (UV, thermal, moisture, electrical bias, mechanical)

• Hands-on experience with PV characterization techniques (e.g., electroluminescence/photoluminescence imaging, current-voltage measurement, thermography) sufficient to critically evaluate reported measurements in the literature

• Strong data analysis skills (Python and/or MATLAB) and statistical reasoning

• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to work across multi-institutional collaborations

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Programmatic LLM usage or experience with LLM-extracted data sets

• Experience with IEC standards development or fielded-module reliability data

For consideration, please apply with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Internally posted until July 31, 2026.

The position will be exclusively available to current Berkeley Lab employees and those in layoff status with preferential rehire rights from Berkeley Lab until the date listed above. Current Berkeley Lab employees interested in a lateral transfer or promotional opportunity should apply online to be considered.

Additional information:

• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2 years, 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 monthly salary range for this position is $7,987 / mo - $8,921 / mo and is expected to start at $7,987 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.

• 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: This position will be performed on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

• 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.