Postdoctoral Scholar - Water / Wastewater

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's ( LBNL ) Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will conduct research work in the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Systems Department. The Postdoctoral Scholar will conduct energy and environmental policy analysis, specifically by modeling key performance metrics for current and emerging water and wastewater treatment systems and technologies, including costs, energy use, and life-cycle emissions and analyzing monitoring and efficiency measures. Additional projects may involve the intersection of water and food systems.

What You Will Do :

Conduct research in scenarios for energy efficiency and associated life-cycle cost and environmental assessment for water and wastewater systems

Conduct data collection, cleaning, quality assurance, and validation activities

Develop models to analyze costs and performance of wastewater technologies in Python or similar format.

Participate in / author peer-reviewed journal papers and reports to funders and present results to key stakeholders

Work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams with industry and academic partners involved in projects

Proactively engage in discussions with other research groups to gather data and insights necessary to complete interdisciplinary research

Mentor student researchers

Keep and maintain accurate and detailed records of all research performed.

Adhere with EH&S and ETA safety guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities as needed :

Pursue funding for additional research of mutual interest to the postdoc and an LBL PI.

Conduct research in integrated food-energy-water applications.

What is Required :

PhD in civil or environmental engineering or related engineering / science discipline with a strong quantitative focus; PhD students graduating by December 2025 may be considered.

Demonstrated coursework and / or research experience studying water and wastewater treatment systems and technologies

Demonstrated publication record or papers from Ph.D. currently under review

Experience with life-cycle costing, life-cycle environmental assessment methods and / or software

Strong skills in Python (preferred) and / or a similar programming language (e.g., R, C / C++, Java)

Proficiency with MS Office and / or Google Suite, particularly Excel / Sheets

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work independently and interact effectively with a broad range of colleagues in a dynamic environment

Flexible, approachable and able to prioritize and manage multiple cross-functional projects

Experience handling data collection, cleaning, quality assurance, and validation activities

Must adhere to all Berkeley Lab and Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) safety policies

Desired Qualifications :

Interest in multi-disciplinary research to influence policy and technology development.

Experience with food-energy-water analysis.

Experience with technoeconomic analysis / process simulation

Experience mentoring students

Must be able to start no later than mid-January 2026.

For consideration, please apply by October 17, 2025 with the following application materials :

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

Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Notes :

This is a full-time 2 year, 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.

The monthly salary range for this position is $6,891 / mo - $7,609.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,891 / 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. FY26 rates have not been determined yet and will need to be adjusted accordingly

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.

This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.

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.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : 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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.