Rare Event Detection - Staff Scientist

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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

$140,700 - $178,392 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 Rare Event Detection Staff Scientist in the Rare Event Detection Group. You will use you knowledge of nuclear and particle physics measurements to contribute to the planning and execution of complex experimental activities across a broad set of facilities and detection equipment. You will engage with numerous stakeholders, prioritize activities amongst potentially competing priorities, document procedures, decisions, goals, and outcomes, and ensure that stringent standards are meet in areas like ES&H, data quality, and operational efficiency. This position is in the Rare Event Detection Group, supporting the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division of PLS.

You will:

• Coordinate facility and experimental operations by managing schedules, configurations, and equipment requirements.
• Coordinate the utilization and maintenance of complex experimental equipment, including repair, calibration, and training.
• Document procedures for facility and experimental operations, and establish efficient and effective data management practices.
• Perform experimental nuclear and particle physics measurements.
• Provide solutions to problems of moderate complexity.
• Contribute to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives and function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Engineering, Physics, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Broad experience with noble liquid, scintillation, and neutron detectors.
• Experience managing tasks, equipment, and facilities in a fast-paced experimental environments.
• Familiarity with facility and experimental operations and the development of standard operating procedures.
• Proficient communication and interpersonal skills necessary to coordinate with numerous stakeholders and work in a collaborative research environment.
• Attention to detail, motivation, and eagerness to learn new skills and techniques.
• Ability to work independently on hardware tasks and developing innovative component solutions.

Qualifications we desire

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex tasks by interacting independently with professionals in the execution of his/her responsibilities.

• Experience writing reports, documentation, and/or publications

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

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

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 values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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. 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 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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