Rosenfeld Postdoctoral Fellowship - Building Technology Research

The Building Technology and Urban Systems Division at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) established the Rosenfeld Postdoctoral Fellowship to support outstanding early career researchers who have the potential and the desire to contribute to the betterment of society through scientific and technological advances in the field of building sector energy, decarbonization, and technology research.

Named after Dr. Art Rosenfeld who is the founder of the field of Energy Efficiency, The Rosenfeld Building Scientific Workforce Development Fellowship seeks to honor Dr. Rosenfeld by creating a lasting legacy of early career researchers who will follow in the footsteps of Dr. Rosenfeld.

Current research in Berkeley Lab’s Building Technology and Urban Systems Division includes. Topics spanning technology, processes, and individual and organizational decision-making. For example :

• Decarbonization and electrification pathways.

• Cross-disciplinary science of deployment and technology adoption.

• Analysis, development, and testing of technology solutions.

• Equity in the energy transition.

• Integration of buildings with the grid, vehicles, storage systems, and other distributed energy resources.

• Advances at the nexus of resilience, health, and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Next-generation simulation and optimization for design and operation of buildings and energy systems.

• Breakthrough materials for the energy transition.

• Autonomous performance diagnostics and control, and novel sensing/parameter estimation.

• Advanced communication and device integration.

• Carbon capture using building materials and systems, and low embodied carbon materials.

In this exciting role, you will be working with a Berkeley Lab scientist and be responsible for designing and implementing research that aligns with one of the research areas in the Building Technology and Urban Systems Division. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also be expected to communicate results in presentations and/or publications.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research that leads to high impact to reduce energy in buildings.

• Help to define new directions and carve out new research areas.

• Collaborate with Investigators (PI and Co-PI) to develop commercial building technologies. 

• Translate RD&D agenda into a work plan with specific tasks and scopes of work; manage technology planning, the evaluation of alternative technologies, the production of technical documentation, and prototype development. 

• Bring research to fruition, resulting in presentations at meetings and publications in journals, and Co-author conference papers, and refereed journal articles.

• Prepare outreach materials, technical reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

• Periodic travel to conferences.

• Adhere with ETA and EH&S safety guidelines and requirements.

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field that is earned no later than by the program start date.

• No more than three (3) years of paid postdoctoral/post Ph.D. research experience since Ph.D. earned by the start of the program.

• Strong knowledge in the latest and emerging technologies and how they can be integrated into new product solutions.

• Desire to contribute to the betterment of society through fundamental scientific and technological advances in the field of building technology research.

• Broad knowledge of mechanical, thermal and electrical systems. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team and form strong collaborations. 

• An established publication record.

• Demonstrated experience in all aspects of research, development, and demonstration in the applied and engineering sciences.

• Strong communication skills both in written and verbal.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

For Consideration, please apply by April 1, 2024 with the following application materials:

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

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume, include 3 references who are familiar with the candidate's capabilities and research. 

• Research Proposal (maximum 3 page): Proposal describing the significance and impact of the proposed research and advantages of conducting this work at Berkeley Lab. Consider the alignment of the proposed research with the research mission and goals of Berkeley Lab and the field of building science, as well as the mission of EERE.

• Summary of Ph.D thesis (1 page)

Notes:

• Please see additional details on this fellowship at: buildings.lbl.gov/rosenfeld-building-science-fellowship

• This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of 1-year renewal (total 3 year appointment) 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.

• The monthly salary range for this position is $6,936 / mo - $7,747 / mo and is expected to start at $6,396 / mo 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 and/or related research experience.

• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

• This position may be 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 will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

 

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

 

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.

 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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