Dear Foundry Community,
As we close out 2025, I want to share some updates and news from the Foundry.
Our latest proposal call brought in 359 proposals—the most we’ve ever received. We are excited to be supporting an impactful new array of nanoscience research in the coming cycle. This strong response tells us that researchers continue to see value in the unique capabilities, expertise, and collaborative environment we provide. We’re looking forward to working with both returning and new users on these projects.
Congratulations to Bruce Cohen and Emory Chan, who received a Berkeley Lab Director’s Award for Scientific Achievement for their discovery of avalanching nanoparticles. This recognition reflects the quality of research coming out of the Foundry and the importance of the collaborative work happening between our staff scientists and users. Bruce and Emory’s discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding and controlling light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
Please save the date for March 24, 2026, when we’ll mark the Molecular Foundry’s 20th Anniversary. We’re planning an event featuring a series of panel discussions with former Foundry leaders, industry users, and researchers who got their start here. It will be a chance to look back at what we’ve accomplished together and think about where nanoscience is headed. More details will come as we get closer to the date.
On the hiring front, we’re currently searching for a Nanofabrication Facility Staff Scientist, with a focus on fundamental understanding of quantum phenomena in materials, targeting breakthroughs in coherence and scalability in quantum computing and sensing. The successful candidate will contribute to the Quantum Systems Accelerator, working across Berkeley Lab’s quantum ecosystem and its network of partners. We’ll also be posting soon for a technical staff position in our data group to work on autonomous workflows—an area that’s becoming increasingly important as we work to make our research tools and processes more efficient and accessible. If you know qualified candidates, please send them our way.
Thanks for your continued work and collaboration. Despite the uncertainty we’ve all been navigating, science continues to thrive.
Best regards,
Ashfia
