Design Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Design Physics
- Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for a Design Physics
- Postdoctoral Researcher. We invite PhD graduates with expertise in computational and/or experimental physics (with an emphasis on dynamic behavior of materials) to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The successful candidate will work with simulation and experimental teams to design, model, conduct, and analyze data from ring and cylinder experiments on aluminum alloys under extreme loading conditions. The work will examine how geometry, microstructure, internal defects, and shock-generated damage influence metal fracture and fragmentation.

Additional responsibilities may include supporting proposal development, comparing aluminum grades, conducting sensitivity studies, calibrating material models, and interpreting experimental radiography and postmortem data. This position will be in the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

You will:

• Learn and apply LLNL-developed hydrodynamic code to assess loading conditions and predict material response in published experiments.
• Collaborate on the design, execution, and analysis of explosively driven ring experiments.
• Gain exposure to complex alloys, in addition to common engineering grades of aluminum and stainless steel.
• Collaborate with material strength and damage model developers to implement and evaluate various models for suitability.
• Help develop proposal concepts, figures, and supporting technical arguments.
• Develop new tools, algorithms, and/or design new experiments to further our scientific understanding.
• Conduct research using massively parallel computer platforms to solve scientific challenges.
• 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 secure and maintain a U.S. DOE X-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in a related physical science, engineering, materials science, or applied mathematics discipline.
• Significant accomplishments in numerical simulations and modeling, and/or the application of theoretical techniques.
• Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experience with computational mechanics, high strain rate behavior of metals, or dynamic failure modeling.
• Familiarity with fracture, damage evolution, fragmentation, or shock loading.
• Interest and enthusiasm for understanding the broader mission at LLNL and in supporting it through experimental platform development.

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application, highlighting your qualifications and why you're interested in this position.

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.

Pay Range: $135,768 Annually

Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!

Flexible Benefits Package

401(k)

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules (
* depending on project needs)

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This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. 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. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids…