Transportation Research Scientist, Career Track

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Transportation Research Scientist within the Energy Analysis division. You will support various passenger and freight transportation system modeling and analysis projects to identify and quantify energy, environment, and mobility implications from changes to the transportation system using interdisciplinary methods that combine engineering, economics, human behavior, technology, and computer science. We are seeking candidates with specific interests in the design and development of integrated transportation models at various scales and levels of resolution, including agent-based simulation models of future transportation systems that have greater shares of shared, connected, automated and electrified travel modes, with the goal of identifying new opportunities to reduce energy costs while increasing mobility and efficiency. 

In this role, you will creatively develop new methods to understand the behavior of complex socio-technical systems given substantial uncertainty and limited data.  The successful candidate should have a technical/quantitative background (engineering or economics) and strong experience conducting engineering assessments and/or economic analysis. Some background in emissions modeling, air quality modeling and/or supply chains is strongly preferred. 

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

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)

• Pet insurance [Anyone that is eligible for Full benefits]

You will:

• Collaborate on the development of new models within ETA’s transportation research initiative to develop a portfolio of high impact research

• Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts to contribute to research concepts and projects from funders, such as the U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration – in coordination with other national lab researchers

• Lead more junior technical modelers in the development and implementation of agent-based transportation system models

• Design, develop and improve transportation system models for DOE-VTO and other agencies. This includes agent-based models and microscopic or macroscopic transportation system and network models

• Collaborate closely with other researchers in ETA who work in areas that connect to transportation, including the electricity grid, energy storage, and building and urban science

• Develop methods to assess the energy, economic, and environmental benefits and costs of large-scale transportation electrification or system design changes in the U.S.

• Develop transportation system models into public-facing software packages for broad research use 

• Supervise junior researchers effectively

• Conduct data collection, cleaning, quality assurance, analysis, and model validation activities

• Develop and manage collaborations with researchers working on Transportation Systems at UC Berkeley, other national laboratories, and in the international research community

• Assist the PI in, and eventually act as PI in, developing grant proposals in the areas of integrated transportation modeling and simulation, travel behavior analysis, freight and supply chain efficiency and management, emissions modeling, and electrified transportation

• Write reports and journal articles and present research work to scientific audiences and the general public

• Participate in reporting to funders and present results to key stakeholders

• Work collaboratively 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

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

We are looking for:

• Advanced degree in engineering, science, or economics discipline with a strong quantitative focus or equivalent education and experience

• At least two years of relevant professional work beyond the highest degree

• Demonstrated publication record or papers currently under review

• 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

• Ability to analyze and develop new computational algorithms for scientific applications

• Ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgment and initiative

• Experience handling large datasets and ensuring data quality

• Proficiency with MS Office and strong skills in at least one programming language (C/C++, Python, R)

• Familiarity with geospatial information systems (GIS)

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Must adhere to all Berkeley Lab and EH&S safety policies

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Ph.D. in engineering, science, or economics discipline with a strong quantitative focus

• Strong experience in conducting research in energy systems, transportation systems, emissions and/or air quality modeling

• At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in energy systems, transportation systems, emissions and/or air quality field

• Develop skills in key software packages and work to build models that link tools together for improved automation

Requested Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Publication list

• Names and contact information for at least three individuals who can write letters of reference

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Feb. 16, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 1 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.

• Salary range: The full salary range for this position is $93,504 Min - $224,400 Max. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $142,116-$157,068. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

• 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 is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes, though full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. 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.

• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

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.