Computational Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

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

$135,768 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 a Design Physics Division - Postdoctoral Researcher. We invite PhD graduates with a focus on computational physics (with an emphasis on radiation transport and radiation hydrodynamics) to apply for a Postdoctoral Researcher position. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team researching differentiable multiphysics codes utilizing a combination of adjoint techniques and automatic differentiation. Key research thrusts will include developing and implementing algorithms for efficient and accurate computation of gradients for radiation transport as well as radiation-hydrodynamic coupling. The focus of this postdoctoral appointment is computational; however, the candidate will be integrated with a broader community including design and experimental scientists. In addition to your research projects, LLNL allows you to charge up to 25% of your time to an account that is focused on your professional development as a scientist. For example, you could attend additional lectures, learn more about the Laboratory, finish writing up papers from your graduate work, or learn about new avenues of research, while collaborating with a broad spectrum of scientists across disciplines both within LLNL and at external partner institutions. This position is in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

In this role, you will

• Develop new tools, algorithms, and/or design new experiments to further our scientific understanding.
• Conduct research on the use of massively parallel computer platforms to solve scientific challenges.
• 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.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in a related physical science, engineering or applied mathematics discipline.
• Experience in high-quality research in a relevant field, demonstrating both detailed understanding and a broad perspective.
• Demonstrated significant accomplishments in numerical simulations and modeling, and/or the application of theoretical techniques.
• Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Background in computational physics, mathematics, or engineering with a focus on radiation transport or multiphysics.
• Familiarity with adjoint theory or related techniques in automatic differentiation
• Interest and enthusiasm in understanding the broader mission at LLNL and in supporting it through delivery of scientific software capabilities.

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application, highlighting your qualifications and why you're interested in this position.

#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!
• 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 a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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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.

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