Ab Initio Nuclear Theory - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for Ab Initio Nuclear Theory to advance nuclear structure and reaction theory using state-of-the-art many-body methods, HPC, and advanced statistics. The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and path to independent research in the Nuclear Data and Theory group.

This full-time, on-site position offers training, multidisciplinary teamwork, and opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics or related field.
• Experience in theoretical methods applied to nuclear structure, reactions, or astrophysical simulations.
• Experience developing computer codes for the solution of physics problems.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to tackle scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills to author reports and publications.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in ab initio theory and/or simulation of light-nuclei structural and reaction properties.
• Combine ab initio approaches with HPC and modern statistics to predict nuclear observables with uncertainties.
• Design and carry out numerical simulations on supercomputers at LLNL and other national laboratories.
• Engage in collaborations within LLNL and with external partners.
• Present research results at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to proposal submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Ab initio theory

Nuclear theory

Code development

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in theoretical physics

Tools

C/C++/Fortran

Python

Parallel computing

Job 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.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Ab Initio Nuclear Theory - Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in ab initio nuclear structure and reaction theory. You will participate in innovative research utilizing state of the art many-body approaches, high-performance computing, and modern statistics methods to accurately describe the structure of exotic nuclei and low-energy reactions that take place during the Big Bang and other astrophysical settings. You will receive regular technical and soft skill training and benefit from committed and active mentoring both at the personal and institutional level. This position is in the Nuclear Data and Theory group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, a diverse group that collaborates extensively to provide state-of-the-art theoretical predictions and validated nuclear data.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Conduct innovative research in ab initio theory and/or simulation of light-nuclei structural and reaction properties and their impact to astrophysical processes.
• Combine ab initio approaches, high-performance computing capabilities and modern statistical methods to deliver accurate predictions of nuclear observables with quantified uncertainties.
• Design and carry out numerical simulations on supercomputers at LLNL and other national laboratories.
• Engage in collaborations between the Nuclear Data and Theory group, internal (LLNL), and external collaborators.
• Pursue complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Present research results at scientific conferences and meetings and in peer reviewed publications.
• Contribute to proposal submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics or related field.
• Experience in theoretical methods applied to nuclear structure, reactions, or astrophysical simulations.
• Experience developing computer codes for the solution of physics problems.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to tackle scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports and publications, and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature with experience presenting research results to a large audience.
• Experience with few- or many-body methods applied to atomic nuclei.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and/or machine learning applied to uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with any of C++, C, Fortran, Python, or equivalent computer programming languages, parallel programming, and general interest in developing large-scale HPC solutions to physical problems leveraging advanced architectures.

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.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start date.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

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.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

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.

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 useand/or possessionof mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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.

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.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob 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.