Experimental Physicist - Active Secuirty Clearance Required

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

$168,780 - $214,032 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for an Experimental Physicist to independently execute experiments and/or develop instrumentation in support of the National Ignition Facility (NIF), OMEGA and other high energy density science facilities. You will plan, design, execute and oversee experiments in the fields of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, inertial confinement fusion, inertial fusion energy, material strength and nuclear physics. This position is in the High Energy Density (HED) Scientific & Technology (S&T) Program within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD).

In this role, you will

• Design, execute and analyze complex laser and x-ray driven physics experiments on existing laser facilities (NIF, OMEGA, etc.).
• Collaborate in the development of nuclear, particle, x-ray or optical diagnostics.
• Provide solutions to complex analytical models and independently interpret experimental results.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team in the development of innovative methods to support complex projects.
• Author scientific reports and provide oral presentations for internal and external scientists.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals, and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• PhD in plasma physics, nuclear physics or related field or discipline, or equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
• Advanced scientific knowledge and experience independently designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments in the areas of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, inertial confinement fusion, material strength or nuclear physics.
• Advanced experience with proposing, executing and leading experiments at the NIF-ARC, OMEGA, OMEGA-EP and Jupiter laser facilities, including experience working with VisRad to assist in experimental planning and analysis.
• Advanced experience and knowledge with developing complex diagnostics, image processing, and data analysis, including experience working with statistical methods and coding in Python, Matlab and C++.
• Advanced analytical skills necessary to solve complex problems and make decisions independently and under minimal direction.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, author technical and scientific reports, publications, and invited papers (including proficiency in LaTeX), and provide advice to management.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with the high energy density science aspects of inertial confinement fusion.
• Experience with long- and short-pulse laser-generated particle sources, including target design considerations for controlling fluence and uniformity.
• Experience with recruiting and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

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

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Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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