Inertial Confinement Fusion Physicist - LLNL

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 essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$132,810 - $204,636 Annually 

$132,810 - $170,556 Annually for the SES.2 level

$159,330 - $204,636 Annually for the SES.3 level

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

We have multiple openings for Inertial Confinement Fusion Physicists to become part of the team working on the grand challenge of achieving thermonuclear ignition on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). This research requires working closely with individuals from other disciplines, such as laser experimentalists, laser scientists, target fabrication specialists and NIF Project scientists and engineers, as well as other target designers and theorists.  These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Plan, analyze and interpret NIF laser experiments in support of the effort to achieve ignition on NIF principally with large computer codes, but also with analytic modeling.
• Perform computational and theoretical analyses that extrapolate our current understanding of ignition related physics to NIF and beyond.
• Successfully work as part of an interdisciplinary team on ICF project activities.
• Present research results in scientific meetings, peer reviews, and publications. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at NNSA and across the broader interagency, via offsite assignments.
• Promote and support plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities at the SES.3 Level

• Independently develop and/or provide in depth analysis of NIF laser experiments in support of the effort to achieve ignition on NIF principally with large computer codes, but also with analytic modeling where complex problems may not be well defined.
• Work as technical expert on multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in physics or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of plasma physics, hydrodynamics, or astrophysics.
• Experience in computational modeling of complex systems.
• Experience developing creative solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver a high quality, polished product in a timely manner.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by a record of publications, invited papers, or teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability/commitment to valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the workplace.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in an interdisciplinary team of scientists as well as independently.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 Level

• Advanced knowledge of physics, plasma physics, hydrodynamics, or astrophysics or a related field.
• Experience leading and mentoring as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated record of completing and/or leading top quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with the use of large two and three-dimensional computer codes.

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application, highlighting your qualifications and why you're interested in this position.

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.

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.