Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Imaging in the USA
Are you seeking a high-impact Postdoctoral Fellow role at a world-leading research institution? This Computational Imaging Postdoctoral Fellow position at Berkeley Lab offers an exceptional Fellowship opportunity for life science graduates passionate about cryo-electron microscopy, computational imaging, and structural biology. Located in the Bay Area, this Fellowship in the USA combines cutting-edge research, competitive compensation, and global scientific collaboration.
About Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is a world-renowned research institution located in the Bay Area of California. Known for its innovative contributions to science and technology, Berkeley Lab is committed to advancing scientific discovery, fostering global collaboration, and nurturing the next generation of researchers.
Fellowship Details:
- Follow Title: Computational Imaging Postdoctoral Fellow (Cryo-EM)
- Location: Bay Area, California, United States
- Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab)
- Division: Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB)
- Position Type: Postdoctoral Fellow
- Job ID: 106006
- Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026 (earlier start may be possible)
Position Overview
The Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging (MBIB) division is seeking a Computational Imaging Postdoctoral Fellow to develop advanced computational methods and software for protein structure determination using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
The Fellow will focus on investigating protein structure and conformational heterogeneity from cryo-EM datasets, including single-particle imaging and in situ cellular tomography. Research efforts will emphasize hybrid approaches that integrate deep generative models with classical optimization techniques, numerical linear algebra, and Fourier analysis. The role includes method development, implementation, validation, collaboration, and dissemination of results through publications and presentations.
Key Responsibilities of Postdoctoral Fellow
- Develop and implement advanced computational algorithms for protein structure determination using cryo-EM
- Design generative models to capture conformational heterogeneity in electron microscopy data
- Apply machine learning approaches to reconstruct non-rigid structural variability
- Develop algorithms for automated alignment of single-particle and electron tomography data
- Apply optimization techniques to address noise, missing data, and model completion challenges
- Build automated pipelines for data analysis, structure completion, and model validation
- Generate high-resolution three-dimensional reconstructions of biomolecular structures
- Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings
- Maintain clear documentation of mathematical derivations, software implementations, and results
- Contribute to figures, reports, and write-ups for research and grant proposals
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. earned within the last 1–2 years in Computational Biophysics, Computational Cryo-EM, or a related discipline
- Strong background in cryo-electron microscopy with emphasis on reconstruction workflows
- Experience developing numerical methods for inverse imaging problems, including iterative reconstruction, regularization, and uncertainty-aware modeling
- Experience with generative models, variational inference, and physics-informed machine learning
- Proficiency in Python and PyTorch
- Knowledge of numerical linear algebra, optimization techniques, and Fourier analysis
- Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate computational algorithms
- Strong organizational skills with experience in maintaining detailed research records
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a publication record in cryo-EM or related fields
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate within interdisciplinary teams
Desired Skills & Knowledge
- Programming experience in C, C++, or Fortran
- Familiarity with high-performance computing environments, including MPI, OpenMP, and GPU acceleration
- Interest in extending computational and generative modeling approaches to new imaging modalities
Additional Information for Postdoctoral Fellow
- Application Deadline: Priority consideration for applications submitted by March 6, 2026; applications accepted until the position is filled
- Appointment Type: Full-time, exempt, 2-year postdoctoral appointment (benefits eligible) with potential renewal
- Eligibility: Less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience required
- Salary Range:
- $7,987 – $8,921 monthly
- $95,844 – $107,052 annually
- Starting salary expected at $7,987 monthly or above, based on union step rates
- Background Check: Required
- Work Modality: Onsite, hybrid, full-time telework, or remote (must reside within the contiguous United States)
- On-site location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720
- REAL ID or acceptable identification is required for site access.
