High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,982 - 166,201; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) invites applications for the High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Postdoctoral Fellow. This fellowship attracts top HEDS talent to LLNL and supports independent research across inertial confinement fusion, lasers and optics, high pressure science, opacity, and related fields.

Fellows access LLNL facilities and collaborate with leading researchers. The HEDS Center aims to advance fundamental research and strengthen LLNL's leadership in HEDS.

Qualifications

• PhD in a field relevant to high energy density science (nuclear/plasma physics, astrophysics, etc.).
• Endorsement from a prospective LLNL mentor (permanent research staff).
• Eligible to access LLNL per NDAA.
• Creativity and proven accomplishments: publications, awards, or similar.
• Ability to propose and execute research aligned with LLNL HEDS needs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for collaboration and dissemination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in plasma physics, astrophysics, hydrodynamics, nuclear physics, high pressure science, or related areas.
• Organize, analyze, and present research data.
• Pursue independent research within LLNL's HEDS program and collaborate across teams.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Creative research

Publication record

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in HEDS-related field

Job description

High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Postdoctoral Fellow

Entry Level | Full-time
Postdoctoral/Fellowship | Livermore, CA | 07/30/2026
Reference #: REF8603W
Job Code: PDS.4 Lawrence Fellow Post Doc
Organization: Physical and Life Sciences
Position Type: Post Doctoral
Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable

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 High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Postdoctoral Fellow. The purpose of this fellowship is to attract top HEDS talent to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and to support fellows’ careers as they grow to be future leaders of the field. The HEDS Center Fellow will do creative and independent research in any aspect of HEDS science, including inertial confinement fusion, lasers and optics, high pressure science, opacity, charged particle transport, astrophysics, nuclear physics, and matter in extreme conditions. Fellows participate in experimental, theoretical, or computational work at LLNL, and will have access to LLNL's extensive computing facilities, talent pool, specialized laboratory facilities and field equipment.

The HEDS Center at LLNL is a focal point for connecting experts around the world with the extensive experimental and computational capabilities at LLNL. The Center’s mission is to strengthen fundamental research collaborations in the field of HED science between LLNL and the academic community, recruit bright scientists to LLNL’s HEDS programs, and educate people about HEDS. Details about LLNL’s High Energy Density Science Center may be found at: https://heds-center.llnl.gov

Applicants will need to submit their CV, research proposal, three references for letters of recommendation, application summary, and transcripts. Once you submit your application, you can go back and make updates. The deadline for application is October 5, 2026. Reference letters and LLNL staff endorsements must be received by October 12, 2026.

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 research and/or development in one or more of the following areas: plasma physics, astrophysics, hydrodynamics, nuclear physics, high pressure science, warm dense matter and hot dense matter physics, strongly coupled Coulomb systems, lasers, laser-driven dynamic compression, matter at extreme conditions, interiors of planets and exoplanets, giant impacts, or related field.
• Organize, analyze, and present data from research.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with exceptional scientists both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• 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.
• Endorsement from a prospective mentor, who must be a permanent research staff member at LLNL.
• PhD in a field relevant to high energy density science, including nuclear physics, plasma physics, hydrodynamics, astrophysics, lasers, warm dense matter, hot dense matter, strongly coupled coulomb systems, high-pressure science, laser-driven dynamic compression, matter at extreme conditions, interiors of planets and exoplanets, giant impacts.
• Creativity, exceptional ability, and proven accomplishments in applicant's area of specialization as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature, awards, or other accomplishments.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and execute research aligned with current or emerging LLNL high energy density science mission needs and strategic growth areas.
• Demonstrated potential for sustained technical contribution in research areas of current or emerging strategic importance to LLNL in high energy density science.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature, presentations, and the interview.

Pay Range

$151,092 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!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

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.

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.

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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