High Pressure Physics - Postdoctoral 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 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.

We have multiple openings for Postdoctoral Scientists in the High-Pressure Physics Group, Physics Division (high-pressure.llnl.gov) to conduct research in dynamic compression science. Areas of active research include a broad swath of materials and understanding their equations of state; phase stability and transformation kinetics; and thermomechanical material properties and responses at extreme conditions. We conduct research that ranges from in-house benchtop experiments to the use of world-leading dynamic compression facilities such as the High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF), the Nevada Test site, and the Dynamic Compression Sector (DCS) at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). 

In this role you will 

• Research, design, execute, simulate, and analyze experiments to study the thermochemical or thermomechanical response of dynamically compressed materials. 

• Participate in ongoing experiments conducted at on-site and off-site facilities, including the design, setup, calibration, and fielding of diagnostics. 

• Develop and apply analytical tools, models, and instruments to varied data sets from dynamic experiments that may include photonic doppler velocimetry (PDV), two-dimensional VISAR, optical and near-IR spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray radiography, or optical imaging. 

• Document and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.

• Engage with complementary research efforts and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internal and external to the Laboratory.

• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.

• 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 a physical science (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Materials Science, Astronomy, Astrophysics,) Engineering, or related field.

• Experience with in-situ measurements (e.g., optical or x-ray spectroscopies, x-ray diffraction or imaging, velocimetry, etc.), diagnostic development, data analysis, model development, or image processing.

• Experience with analytical techniques and tools, including computational simulations, to determine structure, thermomechanical properties (e.g., thermal conductivity, density, bulk modulus, etc.), or thermodynamic variables (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.).

• Demonstrated capacity for conception, design, control, and execution of experiments.

• Proficient, collaborative verbal and written communication skills, as demonstrated by publication of peer-reviewed literature and presentations of research.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in one of the following areas:  High Energy Density Science, high-pressure or high-temperature science (dynamic or static), matter and/or materials at extreme conditions, interiors of planets and exoplanets, giant impacts, spectroscopic methods, or research at large scale facilities such as synchrotrons.
• Experience with computer programming with an emphasis on developing custom analytical routines or experience with developing new experimental techniques and/or computer algorithms.
• Experience working on highly multidisciplinary teams.

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

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

LLNL demonstrates its commitment to public safety by requiring that all new Laboratory employees be immunized against COVID-19 unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to all new hires including those who will be working on site, as well as those who will be teleworking.

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. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.  For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. 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.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request via our online form. 

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