Experimental Low-Energy Nuclear Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description

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 an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in expanding the reach of the St. Benedict, BEARtrap, and BPT ion-trap systems for high-precision beta-decay spectroscopy. In this position, you will play a major role in carrying out experiments to test fundamental symmetries in nuclear beta decay and to improve the nuclear data needed for r-process nucleosynthesis. In addition, you will contribute to the overall experimental program to measure beta-decay properties of importance to both fundamental science and applications.

This position is in the Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Technologies Group in the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Conduct beta-decay spectroscopy experiments using trapped ions.
• Field experiments at accelerator-based facilities at the University of Notre Dame and Argonne National Laboratory.
• Develop the detailed simulations and data-analysis approaches needed to interpret the results of experiments.
• Upgrade the ion-trap and detector systems to increase the efficiency and precision of these devices.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Participate in the NPAT Group's overall program of performing precision studies of beta decay.
• Provide technical contributions to the development of future nuclear physics experiments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear engineering, nuclear chemistry, related field.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear decay spectroscopy and/or ion traps.
• Programming experience in C++, Python, and/or other programming languages.
• Experience performing complex analyses using ROOT and GEANT4, or similar programs.
• Experience carrying out experiments at an accelerator facility.
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature in physics or a related field.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a focused team.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Pay Range

$123,048 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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.

• Included in 2026
  
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• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (
  * depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-values

None required.

However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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…