Experimental Dynamic Materials - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Today
DoE Q or L
USD 118,884.00 per year
Unspecified
Livermore, CA (On-Site/Office)

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

Job Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct experimental dynamic compression research with an emphasis on high-energy-density physics. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of experimental physicists, materials scientists, and optical engineers utilizing world class experimental research facilities to study the behavior of materials at extreme conditions. This position is in the Dynamic Multiscale Material Properties group, of the Physics Division within the Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will
  • Participate in the design and evaluation of a new class of experiments for the purpose of studying material rheology at high pressure via advanced diffractive optical diagnostics.
  • Develop and implement novel optical diagnostics (multi-frame holography, transverse imaging interferometry).
  • Participate in experiments at HED facilities, such as NIF and Omega
  • Function as an independent researcher with exquisite attention to detail.
  • Document and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
  • Maintain professional and institutional visibility through participation in conferences.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

  • Work must be performed by a U.S. person (e.g., U.S. citizen or permanent resident and certain others). Also, assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation.
  • PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Optics, Engineering or similar field.
  • Knowledge and experience in one of the following areas: applied physics, high-energy-density physics, high-pressure physics, shock physics, condensed matter, holography, ultrafast optics, geophysics, or high-pressure rheology.
  • Experience working on a research team with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as function as an independent researcher with a high level of attention to details.
  • Ability to find innovative solutions, learn new techniques, and obtain significant results for scientific and technical problems.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Author technical and scientific reports /publications and deliver scientific presentations.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Experience conducting experiments at laser facilities, such as LLE, JLF, or NIF.
  • Experience with designing, building and/or implementing optical interferometry diagnostics.
  • Experience with developing new experimental techniques and/or algorithms required to understand matter in new regimes.
  • Understanding of dynamic compression research and the basics of shock physics.


Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Flexible Benefits Package
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required. However, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).

If your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

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Since its origins, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has pushed the limits of science, technology, and research in an effort to better understand the world and protect the people in it—but we do so much more than that. To this day, we continue to innovate, collaborate, and explore, backed by the minds of thousands of talented researchers, operations staff, and creative professionals. We are a globally-recognized leader in bioengineering, high-performance computing, environmental research, nuclear science, and more. And none of this research would be possible without our employees across different fields, from skilled labor to engineering. No matter what you do here, you can help change the world. The Lab is located in the heart of the Livermore Valley in the East Bay area of California, close to major metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Oakland, and San José.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Jobs


Clearance Level
DoE Q or L