Ab Initio Nuclear Theory - Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member to conduct research in ab initio nuclear structure and reaction theory.  You will participate in innovative research utilizing and developing state of the art many-body approaches, high-performance computing, and modern statistics methods to accurately describe the structure of exotic nuclei and low-energy reactions that take place during the Big Bang and other astrophysical settings.  provide state-of-the-art theoretical predictions and validated nuclear data. This position is in the Nuclear Data & Theory Group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

You will

• Conduct innovative research in ab initio theory and/or simulation of light-nuclei structural & reaction properties and their impact to astrophysical processes.
• Combine ab initio approaches, high-performance computing capabilities and modern statistical methods to deliver accurate predictions of nuclear observables with quantified uncertainties.
• Design and carry out numerical simulations on supercomputers at LLNL and other national laboratories.
• Engage in collaborations between the Nuclear Data and Theory group, internal (LLNL), and external collaborators.
• Pursue complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Present research results at scientific conferences and meetings and in peer reviewed publications.
• Contribute to proposal submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics or related field.
• Experience in theoretical methods applied to nuclear structure, reactions, or astrophysical simulations.
• Experience developing computer codes for the solution of physics problems.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to tackle scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports and publications, and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature with experience presenting research results to a large audience.
• Experience with few- or many-body methods applied to atomic nuclei.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and/or machine learning applied to uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with any of C++, C, Fortran, Python, or equivalent computer programming languages, parallel programming, and general interest in developing large-scale HPC solutions to physical problems leveraging advanced architectures.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

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)
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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.

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