Postdoctoral Fellowships in AI, Advanced Materials, and Planetary Health

Bakar Postdoctoral Fellows at BIDMaP

The Bakar Institute of Digital Materials for the Planet (BIDMaP) at UC Berkeley invites applications for the Bakar Postdoctoral Fellows Program @ BIDMaP. This fellowship supports exceptional early-career researchers working at the intersection of AI/machine learning and the natural sciences to address critical planetary and climate challenges. BIDMaP is focused on developing new techniques in AI that will enhance and accelerate discovery in experimental natural sciences and development of novel materials to address planetary challenges. To this end, BIDMaP promotes collaboration between world-renowned AI/ML experts, chemists, physicists and other physical scientists. By combining cutting-edge physical sciences with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, BIDMaP is reimagining how materials can be designed and optimized for clean energy, air and water, advanced batteries, and sustainable chemical and materials production.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree awarded between January 2025 - August 2027.
• Demonstrate one of two primary research backgrounds:
• Quantitative focus: Advanced training in AI/ML, computer science, statistics, or data science with a strong drive to apply computational methods to physical science problems.
• Domain science focus: Advanced training in chemistry, physics, biological sciences, or materials science with a strong vision for integrating AI/machine learning into discovery workflows.

Timeline and Appointment Terms

Applications Open: October 15, 2026

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026 for full consideration, review will continue until all available fellowships are filled

Target Start Date: Spring / Summer 2027

Duration: Initial 2-year appointment, renewable for a 3rd year upon mutual agreement.

Location: BIDMaP is housed in the beautiful, new Barbara and Gerson Gateway

Application

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a full publication list.
2. Research Statement (2–3 pages): Outlining previous research accomplishments, proposed fellowship goals and alignment with BIDMaP’s scientific mission.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Three confidential letters submitted directly by recommenders in application portal

About the University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see this page

Berkeley Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA)

Email bidmap_admin@berkeley.edu for any questions you may have.