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 looking for individuals that demonstrate an understanding of working in partnership with team peers, who engage, advocate, and contribute to building an inclusive culture, and provide expertise to solve challenging problems.

Pay Range

$148,650- $200,328 annually for the SES.3 level

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

We have an opening for a Theoretical Physicist to perform simulations and theory in support of experiments and lead frontier research in the areas of inertial confinement fusion and high energy density physics, laboratory astrophysics, plasma physics, high intensity laser-matter interactions, nuclear science, and high-pressure physics. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022, a historic moment in science, opening up new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities.

Areas of active research are laser-plasma instabilities, hydrodynamic instabilities and turbulent phenomena in HED environments, and gas- and plasma-optics. This position is in the High Energy Density Scientific and Technology (HED S&T) Program in the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Principal (NIF&PS) Directorate.

In this role, you will

• Perform simulations and theory in support of experiments at NIF, the OMEGA laser facility, and the on-site Jupiter laser facility.
• Participate in the design and analysis of complex experiments on these facilities working with factors that may not be well defined.
• Develop reduced models of laser-plasma interactions for hydrodynamic codes, using advanced knowledge.
• Author and present technical and scientific reports, presentations, and publications for internal and external audiences including the Department Of Energy community and at conferences.
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers to accomplish research goals.
• Coordinate team resources and plan complex experimental campaigns.
• Interact with a broad spectrum of scientists, internally and externally to the laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in plasma physics, hydrodynamics, shock physics, spectroscopy, condensed matter, nuclear physics, dynamic material science, or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience in theoretical physics in one of the following areas: laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation driven hydrodynamics, or high energy density experiments.
• Advanced analytical and/or numerical skills necessary to solve complex problems and make decisions independently, under minimal direction.
• Advanced knowledge and significant experience developing analytical and reduced-physics models to include in hydrodynamics simulation codes, particularly in the area of laser-plasma instabilities.
• Significant experience with Particle-in-Cell simulations of laser-plasma instabilities.
• 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, and provide advice to management.
• Experience working independently, as well as in a team, with minimal direction in a research collaboration driven environment.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2020 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. 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.

LLNS is committed to offering reasonable accommodations during the application and recruiting processes due to a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please submit a request via our online form.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

#PT

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

Security Clearance

None required. However, 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

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

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.