Experimental Physicist

Job description

We have multiple openings for experimental physicists.You will explore means to assess nuclear explosive performance without nuclear testing; weapons physics studies; the development of render safe technologies for counter-proliferation; the design and testing of advanced conventional weapons. Experimental research is conducted at the Site 300 hydro facilities, the Nevada Test site, the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF), NIF, and at other national facilities. These positions are located in the design physics division within the weapons and complex integration (WCI) principal 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:

• Conduct experimental research in one or more of the following areas: assess nuclear explosive performance without nuclear testing; weapons physics studies; high-energy density plasma research; the development of render safe technologies for counter-proliferation; and/or the design of advanced conventional weapons.
• Develop and apply state-of-the-art experimental physics techniques to laboratory and field research. Areas of interest should include, flash X-ray radiography, high-speed photographic and optical measurements, hydrodynamics, gas gun, pulsed power and detonation physics experiments, and instrument design and development.
• Learn and run existing analysis codes to plan experiments and incorporate experimental data.
• Contribute to fulfilling project objectives as a fully functioning team member.
• Present and disseminate research results in scientific conferences and peer-reviewed publications, in open and classified environments. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at NNSA and across the broader interagency, via offsite assignments.
• Travel minimally or substantially based on needs of projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level:

• Independently develop and/or provide in depth analysis of physics capabilities in support of nuclear weapon simulations using advanced simulation tools where complex problems may not be well defined.
• Lead projects requiring careful planning and execution in concert with effective teamwork.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, engineering or a related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience conducting applied physics research in one or more of the following fields:  plasma physics, radiation transport, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and hydrodynamics.
• Experience with and understanding of optics and lasers.
• Experience with scientific data analysis.
• Experience developing innovative solutions to complex analytical problems.
• Demonstrated effective analytical and conceptual skills and creativity.
• Experience working effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary, team-research environment to achieve multi-year goals.
• Demonstrated effective verbal, and written communication skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports, publications, invited papers, and to deliver scientific presentations.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level:

• Advanced knowledge of physics, mathematics, mechanical, aerospace or nuclear engineering 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.

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.

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