Magnetic Drive Systems for Magneto-Inertial Fusion – Postdoctoral Researcher

Company description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the world!

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 looking for individuals that demonstrate an understanding of working in partnership with team peers, who engage, advocate, and contribute to building an inclusive culture, and provide expertise to solve challenging problems.

Job description

We have an opening for a Magnetic Drive Systems for Magneto-Inertial Fusion – Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the science and engineering of magnetic drive systems for magneto-inertial fusion and other high energy density science (HEDS) experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). You will develop pulsed, single-shot high-field magnets and associated pulsed power systems for magnetizing NIF targets at up to 50T as part of a multidisciplinary team exploring the use of magnetic fields to improve NIF implosion performance for ignition (https://lasers.llnl.gov/news/could-magnetized-targets-improve-nifs-ignition-chances). In addition, you will develop this system for magnetizing targets used for high neutron and X-ray sources, Discovery Science experiments and magnetized liner inertial fusion research. This position is within the Laser Systems Engineering and Operations (LSEO) division within the Engineering Directorate. 

In this role you will

• Design and execute experiments on NIF magnetic pulsed power systems to develop innovative high-field magnets for a variety of magneto-inertial fusion and HED NIF targets, including cryogenic targets, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Design, build, and commission new pulsed power systems, components, and diagnostics for increasing NIF magnetic field capability as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Analyse and interpret electrical, optical, thermal performance data, leverage simulation and modelling tools in partnership with team members, to draw conclusions and plan experiments that improve understanding of electrical, material, and debris and shrapnel dynamic behaviours in high-field pulsed magnets, in order to enable a reliable high-field capability for the NIF.
• Collaborate with scientists, researchers, and engineers to accomplish research goals.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DOE Q-level security clearance which requires US citizenship.
• PhD degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of and experience with one or more of the following: design and operation of pulsed power and/or  high voltage systems;  design and operation of diagnostics associated with pulsed power and/or high voltage systems, including laser and imager based diagnostics;  design and execution of experiments producing pulsed high magnetic fields; experimental plasma physics in a related area.
• Ability to perform as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution, including developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Experience developing independent research projects, including publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Effective initiative and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications we desire

• Significant working experience with pulsed power systems and associated loads for the generation of high magnetic fields.
• Significant experience designing, building, and calibrating magnetic field diagnostics such as B-dot probes or faraday rotation.
• Significant working knowledge of vacuum systems.

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, colour, 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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