Academic Graduate Appointee, Data Acquisition Software Development

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

401(k)

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA, is seeking an Academic Graduate Appointee to design, test, and maintain data acquisition software for advanced microscopes within the Laser Material Interaction Science Group.

You will collaborate with biologists, chemists, and physicists, keep detailed notebooks, analyze data, and contribute to research planning and presentations. This is an on-site, one-year appointment requiring full-time presence.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science or a related field.
• Experience writing software for advanced optical microscopes with rigorous coding standards.
• Experience using Python.
• Eligibility to access LLNL per NDAA in the National Defense Authorization Act context.
• Proficient verbal and written communication to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience operating PC and/or Macintosh computers to collect, analyze and document scientific results.
• Interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain the data acquisition, processing, and analysis software for advanced microscopes.
• Interface with biologists, chemists and physicists who use the microscope to continue adding features and improving software.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research planning. Prepare progress reports and presentations to supervisor/mentor and project teams.
• Provide technical support to engineers and scientists in research and development projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

Software development

Laboratory basics

Communication skills

PC/Mac operation

Team collaboration

AI coding tools

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Academic Graduate Appointee, Data Acquisition Software Development

tuition reimbursement, 401(k), relocation assistance

United States, California, Livermore

Aug 26, 2026

Company Description

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.

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Job Description

We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee to participate in projects supporting a variety of Laboratory missions. As part of a multi-disciplinary team within the Materials Science Division, you will develop and test data acquisition, processing, and analysis software for advanced microscopy applications. You will actively support and be expected to participate in the design, programming, and testing of this software. This position is in the Laser Material Interaction Science Group within the Materials for Emerging Applications & Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

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

You will

• Design and maintain the data acquisition, processing, and analysis software for advanced microscopes.
• Interface with biologists, chemists and physicists who use the microscope to continue adding features and improving software.
• Keep an accurate and detailed laboratory notebook; generate, organize, and analyze experimental data; and participate in research planning. Prepare progress reports and presentations to supervisor/mentor and project teams.
• Provide technical support to engineers and scientists in research and development projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). See Additional Information section below for details.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or in a related field.
• Experience writing software for advanced optical microscopes while maintaining rigorous coding standards.
• Experience using Python.
• Knowledge of general laboratory fundamentals and best practices.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate technical information effectively with technicians, peers, and managers.
• Experience operating PC and/or Macintosh computers to collect, analyze and document scientific results.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, technicians, and other technical and administrative staff.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience using AI coding tools.

Pay Range

$6,748 - $7,718 Monthly

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.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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 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 requires 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.

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