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 two openings for our prestigious and distinguished postdoctoral fellowships in the Strategic Deterrence Directorate: the John S. Foster, Jr. Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Harold Brown Postdoctoral Fellowship. Named after the Laboratory’s renowned physicists, Dr. John S. Foster, Jr. and Dr. Harold Brown, these fellowships recognize individuals whose research aligns with the Laboratory’s national security mission. Dr. Foster was a key figure in establishing Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) as essential to the nation’s defense. He helped invent and then spearheaded the innovations that led to the modern stockpile, as well as introducing many important programs at the Laboratory that continue to this day. Dr. Brown was a nuclear deterrence pioneer, a former Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory director, and Secretary of Defense under President Jimmy Carter. An intellectual giant who led the development of technologies that modernized nuclear deterrence and played integral roles during the most dramatic moments of the Cold War, Dr. Brown’s life was indelibly intertwined with national security.
These prestigious postdoctoral fellowships will allow you to take your skills to the next level and apply them to solving the nation’s most pressing science and engineering challenges. The purpose of these fellowships is to pursue groundbreaking science and to stimulate ideas across LLNL organizations and DOE facilities. Foster and Brown Fellows will participate in creative and independent research in an aspect of science and engineering relevant to the competencies at LLNL. Fellows participate in experimental, computational, and/or theoretical work, and will have access to LLNL's extensive computing facilities, talent pool, specialized laboratory facilities, and field equipment.
We invite PhD graduates from a variety of STEM fields (including, but not limited to, the various physics disciplines, engineering, experimental science, computational sciences, planetary science, chemistry, and materials science) to apply for these distinguished postdoctoral fellowships. These opportunities are intended for individuals who have finished their PhD and wish to further develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities. These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.
Our postdoctoral fellowship positions are atypical — we select highly qualified candidates based on demonstrated research aptitude and then customize the project assignment to fit their abilities and interests as well as our needs. Recent projects have involved:
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Physics of Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
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Turbulence and fluid instabilities
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Atomistic and continuum models of transport
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Planetary defense (asteroid deflection and impact modeling)
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Diagnostic development
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Computational solid and fluid dynamics
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Chemical physics
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Nuclear physics
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Particle and radiation transport algorithm development
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Artificial intelligence and uncertainty quantification
To learn more, visit our website at:
https://dp-fellowships.llnl.gov
These positions 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.
In this role, you will:
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Conduct research in a topical area using theory, experiment, and/or simulation tools.
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Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists both internally and externally to the Laboratory.
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Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
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Organize, analyze, and present research results in LLNL seminars and at major scientific conferences.
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Develop new tools, algorithms, and/or design new experiments to further our scientific understanding.
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Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals, and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
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Perform other tasks as assigned.
- Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
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PhD degree in relevant Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or related discipline.
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Experience in high-quality research in a relevant field, demonstrating both detailed understanding and a broad perspective.
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Creativity, exceptional ability, and significant proven accomplishments in experimental science, numerical simulations and modeling, and/or the application of theoretical techniques.
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Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
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Ability to develop independent research through a proven track record of scientific accomplishment and/or as demonstrated through publication in peer-reviewed literature.
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Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and papers, and present and explain technical information.
Pay Range
$151,956 Annually
This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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
Position Information
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.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
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Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
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Flexible Benefits Package
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401(k)
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Relocation Assistance
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Education Reimbursement Program
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Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
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Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
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.
Pre-Placement Medical Exam
A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
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.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
