High Energy Density Science - Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct high energy density plasma experiments, including laboratory astrophysics experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and Omega Laser Facility. You will design high Mach number plasma flow experiments under magnetized conditions, execute the experiment, and analyze data to test different models. You will work on modeling and analysis validating experimental results. This position is in the High Energy Density Science Section of the Physics Division within the Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems in high-energy-density plasma physics, including laboratory astrophysics.
• Conduct experiments as a NIF and/or OMEGA Shot Responsible Individual (Shot RI) using various diagnostics such as Optical Thomson Scattering and proton radiography to investigate the physics of HED plasmas.
• Conduct hybrid particle-in-cell modeling and analysis of simulation outputs to enhance the physics outcomes.
• Contribute to high-energy x-ray radiography experiments using short pulse lasers on the NIF and analyze the data.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in physics, plasma physics, astro-physics, or related field.
• Experience developing and fielding magnetized plasma experiments at medium-to-large size HED facilities (such as LAPD, Omega, or NIF), analysis of data, and application of results to constrain theoretical models used in HED physics and/or astrophysics.
• Experience working both on research teams with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, and also as an independent researcher with a high level of attention to detail to find innovative solutions to specific research problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications and deliver scientific presentations.
• Experience with writing scripts for scientific data analysis in Python or similar languages

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated ability to develop novel diagnostic and experimental techniques in high-energy-density plasma science.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative data analysis methods to better understand Optical Thomson Scattering data.
• Familiarity with magnetized plasma interactions
• Familiarity with hybrid particle-in-cell codes
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature.

#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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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.

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