Laser Physicist - Postdoctoral Researcher

Fusion Energy Base; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits

Relocation assistance

Education reimbursement

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory invites applications for a Laser Physicist – Postdoctoral Researcher in the LSSE Program within the NIF&PS Directorate to advance high-energy laser technology and fusion-relevant research.

The role emphasizes modeling, experiments, data analysis, collaboration, and publication in peer-reviewed venues. A PhD in a related field is required; experience with high-energy lasers and instrumentation is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in laser physics, applied physics, general physics, atomic physics, optics and optoelectronics or related field.
• Experience designing, building, and/or operating mid-to-high-energy solid-state lasers.
• Experience in experimental physics including polarization, laser cavities, frequency conversion, non-linear optics, and thermo-mechanical calculations.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and validate advanced kJ-class laser architectures and cooling concepts.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental and simulation data; present findings clearly.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences/seminars.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to achieve research goals.

Skills

Laser physics

Experimental physics

MATLAB

Python

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in laser physics or related field

Tools

Zemax

Code V

OSLO

COMSOL

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a Laser Physicist- Postdoctoral Researcher within our Laser Science and Systems Engineering Program to participate in the research, development, and application of advanced solid state, high energy laser technology. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022, a historic moment in science, opening up new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities. You will conduct research in the fields of design, modeling, and commissioning of cutting-edge laser technology development and will execute experiments to validate advanced laser concepts relevant to high energy and high power laser driver architectures, laser propagation/amplification, and laser matter interaction research. This position is in the Laser Science & Systems Engineering (LSSE) Program within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD). In this role, you willConduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: modeling and experimental investigations on advanced kJ-class laser architectures, frequency conversion and non-linear optics, and efficient cooling concepts for high average power laser systems. Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental and simulation data using statistical and computational tools and presenting findings clearly through detailed reports, visualizations, and presentations to support scientific communication and decision-making. Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of researchers internally and externally 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

PhD in laser physics, applied physics, general physics, atomic physics, optics and optoelectronics, or related technical field or discipline. Experience in designing, building, and/or operating mid-to-high-energy (from mJ to kJ-class) solid-state lasers. Experience in experimental physics in one or more of the following areas: advanced polarization physics, solid state lasers, laser cavities, short pulse laser technology, frequency conversion, non-linear optics, crystal optics, thermo-mechanical fine-element calculations interfaced with optical performance. Experience with MATLAB, Python and/or similar scripting and data analysis tools. Ability to perform as an innovative researcher or experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution. Experience developing independent research projects, including publication of peer-reviewed literature. Proficient written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

Experience with laser, pulsed power sources, high density plasma interactions and/or conducting high energy density experiments. Experience with optoelectronic device simulation (LaserMOD, LASTIP, PICS3D, Silvaco and/or self-written code) and/or optical system design and analysis using sequential and/or non-sequential raytracing tools (Zemax, Code V, OSLO, FRED, LightTools, or ASAP). Experience with electromagnetic field simulation using finite-difference time domain, finite element, finite element thermal simulation (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or self-written code), and/or beam propagation simulation tools (FIMMWave, BeamPROP, etc., and/or self-written code). Experience with CAD-based mechanical design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, etc.) and test equipment control and automation software development (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, etc.).

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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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

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 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible Benefits Package401(k)Relocation AssistanceEducation Reimbursement ProgramFlexible 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.

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Reasonable Accommodation

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