High Energy Density Science Academic Graduate Appointee

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

$84,420 - $96,480 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.

The National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate has an opening for a full-time fixed term High Energy Density Science Academic Graduate Appointee to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. You will provide research opportunities in a large array of fields such as lasers, laser-plasma physics, electro-optics, software development, and optical, x-ray and nuclear instrument development and testing. For more information, please visit https://lasers.llnl.gov/education/summer-scholar. 

In this role, you will 

• Collaborate with scientists conducting research at on-site and off-site high-intensity laser facilities in the area of laser-plasma interactions.
• Analyze and interpret data from high-intensity laser-plasma interaction experiments.
• Perform computational and modeling work using multi-physics Monte Carlo codes such as Geant4, MCNP or G4Beamlines to model diagnostics relevant to laser-driven ion acceleration.
• Successfully work as part of an interdisciplinary team on research activities under minimal supervision.
• Present research results in team meetings, scientific meetings, peer reviews, and publications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with data reduction and manipulation, image processing, computer-aided drafting, numerical methods and/or scientific programming languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Experience with hands-on experiments at high-intensity laser facilities including experience with fielding nuclear and/or particle diagnostics for laser-plasma interaction experiments.
• Experience with Monte Carlo-based particle tracking software such as MCNP, Geant4 and/or G4Beamlines.
• Experience in radiation hydrodynamic codes such as FLASH.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment, document analyses and prepare, present and explain technical information and publications.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, LaTeX).

Desired Qualifications

• 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. 
• Ability to travel or work abroad at various laser facilities.
• Ability to deliver a high quality, polished product in a timely manner.
• Experience in participating in grant applications.
• Ability to interact effectively in an interdisciplinary team of scientists as well as independently.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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

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

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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.

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. 

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