Science and Technology on a Mission!
For more than 60 years, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has applied science and technology to make the world a safer place.
We have an opening for an experimental physicist to independently execute experiments and/or to develop instrumentation in support of NIF and OMEGA laser-matter research. You will plan, design, execute and oversee experiments in the fields of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, material strength and nuclear physics. These positions are 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).
This position will be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.
Essential Duties
- Plan, design, execute and analyze laser and x-ray driven physics experiments on existing Laser Facilities (NIF and Omega).
- Develop nuclear, x-ray or optical diagnostics as needed.
- Craft analytical models and use them to interpret experimental results.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team in the development of innovative methods to support the NIF and Omega projects).
- Model and interpret experimental results.
- Author scientific reports and provide oral presentations for internal and external LLNL 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 are assigned.
In Addition at the SES.4 Level
- Establish objectives for, and oversee experiments in, the fields of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, and material strength or nuclear physics.
- Serve as SME in identified areas, interacting with mid-level and senior management, while leading working groups.
- Establish objectives and oversee experimental activities of junior scientists and technical personnel.
Qualifications
- PhD in plasma physics, hydrodynamics, shock physics, spectroscopy, nuclear physics, condensed matter or related field or discipline, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Significant scientific experience designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments in the areas of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, material strength or nuclear physics.
- Significant experience developing complex diagnostics, image processing, and data analysis.
- Advanced analytical skills necessary to solve complex problems and make decisions.
- 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 driven environment.
In Addition at the SES.4 Level
- Expert knowledge and substantial experience designing, executing, and analyzing highly complex experiments in laser and x-ray driven physics.
- Expert knowledge and substantial experience developing new ideas or modifying approaches
- Experience overseeing the experimental activates of junior scientists and technical personnel.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience designing, executing, and analyzing experiments in the field of plasma and atomic physics with knowledge of plasma characterization techniques and instrumentation.
- Experience with x-ray sources, time-resolved optical and x-ray photon detection techniques, CCDs, imaging and spectroscopy.
- Experience with spectrum and image analysis using numerical processing.
Pre-Employment Drug Test: External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.
Security Clearance: This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.
If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.
Note: This is a Career Indefinite position. Lab employees and external candidates may be considered for this position.
About Us
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), located in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay), is a premier applied science laboratory that is part of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy (DOE). LLNL's mission is strengthening national security by developing and applying cutting-edge science, technology, and engineering that respond with vision, quality, integrity, and technical excellence to scientific issues of national importance. The Laboratory has a current annual budget of about $1.8 billion, employing approximately 6,500 employees.
LLNL is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. 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, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.