Astronomy & Astrophysics Intern - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL); Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement

Flexible schedules

401(k)

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in astrometry. The role focuses on detecting and characterizing the galactic population of stellar remnants using NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, with mentoring and opportunities to publish and present findings.

The position is on-site and requires PhD within five years of start date. You will develop astrometric pipelines, collaborate across teams, and contribute to scientific publications

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or astronomy with emphasis on astrometry, microlensing, or related fields.
• Experience working on a research team and independent researcher with attention to detail.
• Proficient with Python and HPC environments for large parallel simulations.
• Strong communication and publication record.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms to find accelerating stars in Roman survey data.
• Develop and fit population models to infer mass, velocity, and spatial distributions of stellar remnants.
• Contribute to other astrometry-related tasks and research efforts.
• Document and publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with scientists and technical staff to achieve research goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

Astrometry

Stellar population

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in physics or astronomy

Job description

Astronomy & Astrophysics - Postdoctoral Researcher Full-time Organization: Physical and Life Sciences Category: Postdoctoral/Fellowship Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable Job Code 1: PDS.1 Post-Dr Research Staff 1 Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana) Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable Position Type: Post Doctoral Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)

Company 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

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Postdoctoral Research Program provides mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of astrometry for detecting and characterizing the galactic population of stellar remnants with NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman). You will conduct research in this area and assist in the construction of an astrometric detection and characterization pipeline. This position is in the Astronomy Astrophysics & Analytics Group, in the Physics Division.

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

You will

• Develop algorithms and methods to find accelerating stars in Roman’s survey data.
• Develop and fit population models to infer mass, velocity, and spatial distributions of stellar remnants in the galaxy.
• Contribute to other astrometry related tasks and efforts.
• Document and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Collaborate with other scientists and technical personnel to accomplish research goals.
• 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.
• PhD in physics or astronomy with emphasis on astrometry, microlensing, or related fields.
• Experience working on a research team with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as function as an independent researcher with a high level of attention to details.
• Proficient with Python and the use of high-performance computer platforms for large parallel simulation and processing tasks.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature and technical reports.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with developing processing pipelines for large astronomical surveys.
• Experience with numerical inference methods and stellar population and remnant synthesis libraries.

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.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://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 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.

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.

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