Experimental Low-Energy Nuclear Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to expand the St. Benedict, BEARtrap, and BPT ion-trap systems for high-precision beta-decay spectroscopy.

The role focuses on testing fundamental symmetries in nuclear beta decay and improving nuclear data for r-process nucleosynthesis. The position may offer a hybrid schedule with some in-person work.

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear engineering, nuclear chemistry, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear decay spectroscopy and/or ion traps.
• Programming experience in C++, Python, and/or other programming languages.
• Experience with ROOT and GEANT4, or similar programs.
• Experience carrying out experiments at an accelerator facility.
• Documented publication record in peer‑reviewed literature.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a focused team.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a multi‑disciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Responsibilities

• Conduct beta-decay spectroscopy experiments using trapped ions.
• Field experiments at accelerator-based facilities.
• Develop simulations and data-analysis approaches to interpret results.
• Upgrade the ion-trap and detector systems for improved precision.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Beta-decay spectroscopy

Ion traps

Programming (C++, Python)

Publication record

Collaborative skills

Communication

Education

PhD in nuclear physics or related field

Tools

ROOT

GEANT4

Job description

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

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in expanding the reach of the St. Benedict, BEARtrap, and BPT ion-trap systems for high-precision beta-decay spectroscopy. In this position, you will play a major role in carrying out experiments to test fundamental symmetries in nuclear beta decay and to improve the nuclear data needed for r-process nucleosynthesis. In addition, you will contribute to the overall experimental program to measure beta-decay properties of importance to both fundamental science and applications. This position is in the Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Technologies Group in the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

Depending on your assignment, this position 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.

You will

• Conduct beta-decay spectroscopy experiments using trapped ions.
• Field experiments at accelerator-based facilities at the University of Notre Dame and Argonne National Laboratory.
• Develop the detailed simulations and data-analysis approaches needed to interpret the results of experiments.
• Upgrade the ion-trap and detector systems to increase the efficiency and precision of these devices.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Participate in the NPAT Group's overall program of performing precision studies of beta decay.
• Provide technical contributions to the development of future nuclear physics experiments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear engineering, nuclear chemistry, related field.
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear decay spectroscopy and/or ion traps.
• Programming experience in C++, Python, and/or other programming languages.
• Experience performing complex analyses using ROOT and GEANT4, or similar programs.
• Experience carrying out experiments at an accelerator facility.
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature in physics or a related field.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a focused team.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

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.

Additional Information

#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?

• 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 ofmobile 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.

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