Experimental Dynamic Materials - Postdoctoral Researcher

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 proces