Senior Computational Physicist

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 committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$202,500 - $256,824 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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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 openings for Computational Physicists to pursue challenges relevant to national security in the development of multi-physics simulation codes. Under consultative direction you will collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary code development team in advancing the state of the art in large-scale multi-physics simulation. The national security mission involves developing simulation capabilities for Stockpile Stewardship, nuclear counter-terrorism, conventional weapons, and high energy density physics experiments. The code development focus is on models and algorithms for use in high-performance computing on the latest large-scale parallel computing platforms.  You will act as a scientific/technical leader as part of large projects/programs, contribute to the development of innovative principles and ideas, will play a role in attracting and retaining projects, programs, and funding due to degree of technical expertise.   These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

These positions 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.

You will

• Develop algorithms and simulation tools to advance the state of the art in multi-physics simulation for a large variety of physical processes in 2D and 3D, where problems are not well defined.
• Independently develop and/or provide in-depth analysis of physics capabilities in support of a diverse user community using advanced simulation tools to solve highly complex problems that may not be well defined.
• Provide advanced technical support, informal training, and guidance to code users in the application of simulation tools developed.
• Collaborate in the development of simulation tools and direct/influence the strategy and technical direction of research activities as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Present and disseminate advanced research results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications, in both open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL.
• Promote and support plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program.
• Set broad technical strategies and/or direct multi-disciplinary teams to achieve program goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in one or more of these specialized fields: physics, mathematics, engineering, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Subject matter expert knowledge of highly advanced concepts to include experience and ability to lead independent work in one or more science disciplines, such as shock hydrodynamics, fluid mechanics, material behavior, particle transport, radiation transport, plasma physics.
• Significant experience evaluating algorithms and methods for their fitness for a particular task, as well as developing and implementing new numerical algorithms.
• Significant experience developing and supporting and/or leading multi-dimensional numerical simulation and demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills and creativity.
• Advanced programming experience/fluency in Python, FORTRAN, C and/or C++ and significant experience developing and implementing algorithms for massively-parallel computer architectures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring high-quality reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations.
• Significant experience working independently and in a team-research environment effectively.
• Significant experience at the expert level in the development of principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to applied physics research and experience converting theory into models or algorithms appropriate for numerical simulation.

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated experience implementing plans that promote and value inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability principles in the workplace.

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

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

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.

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.