Design Physicist

Job description

We have multiple openings for design physicists. We are seeking exceptional physical scientists and engineers with backgrounds in fields such as plasma physics, radiation transport, atomic physics, nuclear physics, physical chemistry, condensed matter physics, computational physics, or hydrodynamics. Our national-security mission encompasses aspects of computational, theoretical, and experimental physics associated with the complex processes of nuclear explosives. Under limited direction, you will be responsible for advancing our understanding and developing methodologies for important national-security challenges. This position is in the design physics division within the weapons and complex integration (WCI) 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:

• Design and provide analysis of complex experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives.
• Simulate weapons phenomena and perform weapons assessment and certification tasks using physical models in computer codes. Participate in the assessment of foreign nuclear weapon systems.
• Present and disseminate research results at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications, in both open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL.
• Positively represent the programme and laboratory demonstrating advanced verbal and written skills. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at NNSA and across the broader interagency, via offsite assignments.
• Develop expertise in interrelated fields of physics important to weapons assessment and certification.
• Lead independent work conducting applied physics research. Lead and mentor staff as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Lead top quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering. Problem-solve and make decisions necessary to independently address challenging problems.
  Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level:

• Assess the highly complex physics interactions that take place in a nuclear explosion.
• Design and provide in depth analysis of experiments exploring the physics of nuclear explosives. Define and implement stockpile stewardship for specific weapons systems.
• Simulate weapons phenomena and perform highly advanced weapons assessment and certification tasks using physical models in computer codes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, engineering, or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience conducting applied physics research.
• Demonstrated record of completing outstanding research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.
• Significant experience with advanced computer-based design and analysis of experiments.
• Demonstrated aptitude for mastering new fields of physics; a record of creativity, physical insight, and breadth of understanding in advanced applications of complex physical processes.
• Significant experience in using advanced computational facilities for applied physics analysis.
• Advanced verbal and written communication and presentation skills necessary to author advanced technical and scientific reports, publications, invited papers, and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Significant experience working effectively independently and in a multidisciplinary, team-research environment. Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative in addressing challenging problems.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level:

• Substantial experience presenting and disseminate highly advanced research results at scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications, in open and classified environments, internal and external to LLNL. Substantial experience communicating results of work with external sponsors.
• Substantial experience developing innovative methods to expand knowledge of interrelated fields of highly advanced physics important to weapons assessment and certification.
• Substantial experience setting specific strategies and/or directing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve program goals.

Qualifications we desire:

• Demonstrated subject matter expert knowledgeable of highly advanced concepts to include experience and ability to lead independent work conducting applied physics research in one or more of the following fields: plasma physics, radiation transport, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and hydrodynamics.
• Significant experience with highly advanced computer-based design and analysis of highly complex experiments.
• Extensive experience at the expert level in the development of principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to applied physics research.

Additional information

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2020 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.

Security clearance

LLNL is a Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) laboratory. Most positions will require a DOE L or Q clearance (please reference security clearance requirement). 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. An L or Q clearance requires US citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (US and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-US citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted. For additional information please see DOE Order 472.2.

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.

California privacy notice

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