HED Physics - Postdoctoral Experimental Physicists

Entry Level | Full-time
Postdoctoral/Fellowship | Livermore, CA | 11/10/2025
Reference #: REF
7650E
Job Code: PDS.
1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1
Organization: NIF and Photon Science
Position Type: Post Doctoral
Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable Apply Now

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 dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,594 - $131,174 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have multiple openings for HED Physics - Postdoctoral Experimental Physicists to independently execute experiments and/or to develop instrumentation in support of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and OMEGA laser-matter research. You will plan, design, execute and oversee experiments in the fields of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, material strength and nuclear physics. These positions are in the High Energy Density (HED) Scientific & Technology (S&T) Program within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD).

In this role, you will

• Research, design and execute x-ray and laser driven experiments at NIF, at the OMEGA Laser Facility, and at the on-site Jupiter Laser Facility.
• Design, field, and coordinate optical, x-ray and nuclear diagnostics.
• Prepare and present technical and scientific reports, presentations, and publications for both internal and external audiences, including the DOE community and at conferences.
• Collaborate with scientists and researchers to achieve research objectives.
• Coordinate team resources and plan experimental campaigns.
• Pursue independent, complementary research interests and engage with a wide range of scientists both within and outside the laboratory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in plasma physics, hydrodynamics, shock physics, spectroscopy, condensed matter, nuclear physics, dynamic material science, or related discipline.
• Experience in experimental physics in one of the following areas: laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation driven hydrodynamics, radiation transport, condensed matter, nuclear physics or high energy density experiments.
• Comprehensive analytical and experimental skills.
• Experience developing, calibrating and fielding x-ray, optical or nuclear diagnostics and associated analysis techniques.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills to author technical and scientific reports, publications, and invited papers, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Effective interpersonal skills necessary to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Ability to perform independent research.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with laser, pulsed power sources, high density plasma interactions and/or conducting high energy density experiments.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible schedules (
  * depending on project needs)

None…