The Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association is an organization run by, and run for, postdocs and early career scientists working at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. We organize many activities to strengthen our ties to the Lab, to each other and to the (Berkeley) Bay Area. Check out our events, our LinkedIn page, our Facebook group. We also have information on working and living in this beautiful Lab and area. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any more information.
Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association (BLPA)
We are federating over 1000 postdoctoral researches affiliated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Our goal is to facilitate social interactions, scientific exchanges, seminars and general orientation.
Here is a list of things you might be interested in:
- Check out our events for the latest activities
- BLPA seminar Series X
- Postdoc Orientation (latest presentation is available here)
- Getting around in Berkeley
- Our charter
We’re happy to organize new events at the lab; if you’re interested in participating, please contact us.
If you are from UC Berkeley, you might want to say hi to our friends at Berkeley Postdoc Association (BPA) and the Visiting Scholars and Postdocs Association (VSPA). They have some good resources!
Hiking: Montara Mountain, Black Diamond Mines and Mount Sizer
In May, the BLPA hiking group was extraordinarily active. On May 4, which was one of the last rainy days this spring, we climbed Montara Mountain on the Pacific coast near San Francisco. On sunny May 12 and 18, we explored Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and Henry W. Coe …
Fostering Collaboration between National Labs – Panel discussion
On May 20, BLPA, in conjunction with the Argonne Postdoc Society and Livermore Lab Postdoc Association, hosted a panel discussion with representatives of all three labs discussing how postdocs and early career scientists can forge working relationships across the national lab system. The recording of the panel discussion can be …
Hiking: Murietta Falls
On Saturday, April 27, BLPA hikers embarked on a challenging journey towards the Murietta Falls, the highest waterfall in the Bay Area, located in the Ohlone Regional Wilderness. This hike offered not only steep climbs, which added up in total to 4000 feet of elevation, but also beautiful views of …
Hiking: Pinnacles national park
On April 13, a group of LBL postdocs and affiliates went hiking in the Pinnacles National Park. Even though the weather wasn’t the best, the rain didn’t dampen the desire to explore this beautiful volcanic area.
Tech Talk
The BLPA Tech Talk featuring Jeremy Greeter and Lucian Sweitzer from LBL’s Intellectual Property Office was successfully held on Friday, April 19th at 1pm via Zoom. Attendees gained valuable insights into patenting inventions and commercializing research. We thank our speakers for their expert guidance and all participants for joining the …
Thanksgiving Pot Luck Lunch
While Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when Americans would gather with family, many postdocs live far from family or come from overseas. On Thanksgiving, November 23rd, 2023, BLPA hosted a Thanksgiving potluck lunch in the Postdoc Union office so that these postdocs could partake in the festivities. Everyone brought a …
Hiking: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
On December 2, 2023, BLPA members embraced the serene beauty of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. This hike was a delightful escape into nature, blending scenic trails with the tranquility of the valley. It served as a refreshing reminder of the importance of connecting with the environment and each other, amidst …
Hiking: Mt. Tallac
On November 29, 2023, the BLPA team embarked on a spectacular hike up Mt. Tallac. This exhilarating climb was not just a test of endurance but a celebration of teamwork and the spirit of exploration. The breathtaking summit views symbolized our collective aspirations and achievements, reinforcing our commitment to both …
Hiking: Berkeley Hills
On a crisp autumn day, November 19, 2023, our BLPA community ventured out for an invigorating hike in the picturesque Berkeley Hills. Surrounded by stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, this trek was more than just a walk in nature. It was a journey of connection, providing a much-needed …
Hiking: Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
The participants of the event at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, relished their 7.5-mile hike through the hidden redwood forest, conveniently located near downtown Oakland. Along the trail, they had the chance to explore the Chabot Space and Science Center. Kshitiz kindly offered guided tours of …