Scientist, Research Scientist, Physics

Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Sep 09, 2026

,000

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is seeking a Scientist in the High-Energy-Density Physics (HEDP) Experiments group to conduct innovative experimental research in HED material properties and/or atomic physics using advanced x-ray diagnostics. The successful candidate will design, lead, execute, and analyze experiments that use x-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and/or diffraction to study matter (e.g., condensed matter, warm-dense matter, dense plasmas) under extreme pressure and temperature.

Research will address fundamental properties of HED matter that may include equation of state, phase transitions, electronic structure and band-gap behavior, opacity and related atomic, material, and transport properties.

The candidate should have a strong record of experimental research and scientific publication, with demonstrated experience developing or applying x-ray diagnostics to dynamic-compression or other HED experiments. Extensive experience conducting experiments at high-power laser facilities and/or advanced light sources is highly desirable. Relevant facilities may include Omega, NIF, LCLS, APS, or the European XFEL. The successful candidate will work closely with experimentalists, engineers, and theorists/modelers to develop new measurement capabilities and establish a quantitative understanding of matter at extreme conditions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceive, design, lead, and execute HEDP experiments using x-ray spectroscopy, scattering, diffraction, and/or related diagnostics to measure the material and/or atomic properties of matter at extreme conditions.
• Lead experimental campaigns at LLE and external high-power laser facilities or advanced light sources, including planning, shot execution, diagnostic configuration, data acquisition, and interpretation.
• Collaborate with target fabrication, laser, diagnostic, and engineering teams to develop and field experimental platforms and measurement capabilities.
• Work closely with theorists and computational scientists to design experiments, model diagnostic observables, interpret measurements, and connect experimental results to atomic and material models.
• Develop research proposals to secure experimental time at Omega and external facilities
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other early-career scientists, as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Experimental Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in experimental HEDP, shock physics, condensed matter physics, plasma physics, atomic physics, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated record of experimental research excellence and peer-reviewed publication.
• Substantial experience leading experiments at high-power laser facilities and/or advanced light sources.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more x-ray diagnostic techniques, particularly x-ray spectroscopy, scattering, or diffraction, to extract quantitative information about matter under extreme conditions.
• Experience working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, diagnostic specialists, and computational/modeling researchers.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Ability to independently lead complex experimental campaigns from scientific concept through experiment design, execution, data analysis, and publication.
• Strong experimental skills with x-ray emission or absorption spectroscopy, resonant or non-resonant x-ray…