Postdoctoral Experimental Physicists

Entry Level | Full-time
Postdoctoral/Fellowship | Livermore, CA | 09/14/2026
Reference #: REF
8817G
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

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have openings for 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).

• 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 a related discipline.
• Experience in experimental physics in one or more of the following areas: laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation-driven hydrodynamics, radiation transport, condensed matter, nuclear physics, or high energy density experiments.
• Comprehensive analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with x-ray, optical, charged particle, or nuclear diagnostics, including their development, calibration, or fielding, 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.

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

$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,…