Inertial Confinement Fusion Physicist

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory • Full-time • Livermore, CA, US • $132.81k - $204.64k / year • 1m ago

Company Description

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 committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$132,810 - $204,636 Annually

$132,810 - $170,556 Annually for the SES.2 level

$159,330 - $204,636 Annually for the SES.3 level

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for Inertial Confinement Fusion Physicists to become part of the team working on the grand challenge of achieving thermonuclear ignition on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). This research requires working closely with individuals from other disciplines, such as laser experimentalists, laser scientists, target fabrication specialists and NIF Project scientists and engineers, as well as other target designers and theorists. These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

These positions 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.

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will

Plan, analyze and interpret NIF laser experiments in support of the effort to achieve ignition on NIF principally with large computer codes, but also with analytic modeling.
Perform computational and theoretical analyses that extrapolate our current understanding of ignition related physics to NIF and beyond.
Successfully work as part of an interdisciplinary team on ICF project activities.
Present research results in scientific meetings, peer reviews, and publications. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at NNSA and across the broader interagency, via offsite assignments.
Promote and support plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities At The SES.3 Level

Independently develop and/or provide in depth analysis of NIF laser experiments in support of the effort to achieve ignition on NIF principally with large computer codes, but also with analytic modeling where complex problems may not be well defined.
Work as technical expert on multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security which requires U.S. citizenship.
PhD in physics or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of plasma physics, hydrodynamics, or astrophysics.
Experience in computational modeling of complex systems.
Experience developing creative solutions to complex problems.
Demonstrated ability to deliver a high quality, polished product in a timely manner.
Proficient written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by a record of publications, invited papers, or teaching experience.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively in an interdisciplinary team of scientists as well as independently.

Additional Qualifications At The SES.3 Level

Advanced knowledge of physics, plasma physics, hydrodynamics, or astrophysics or a related field.
Experience leading and mentoring as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated record of completing and/or leading top quality research in relevant areas of physics and engineering.

Qualifications We Desire

Experience with the use of large two and three-dimensional computer codes.
Demonstrated ability/commitment to valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the workplace.

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

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
Flexible Benefits Package
401(k)
Relocation Assistance
Education Reimbursement Program
Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values
Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

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.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

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 without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

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