Lawrence Fellowship Postdoctoral Researcher

Physics World; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lawrence Fellowship is a highly competitive postdoctoral position at LLNL that enables fellows to pursue independent research with guidance from senior scientists. Fellows are selected for exceptional talent, a proven scientific track record, and potential for impactful discoveries.

This is a full-time on-site role based in Livermore, CA, offering multidisciplinary collaboration, access to world-class facilities, and opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• PhD in a scientific field with strong publication record.
• Ability to develop a high-impact research project.
• Excellent communication to technical peers and broad audiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and/or development in areas aligned with your proposal.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and publish results.

Skills

Independent research

Mentorship

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific field

Job description

Livermore, CA, USA

Full-time

Organization: Office of the Director

Category: Postdoctoral/Fellowship

Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable

Job Code 1: PDS.4 Lawrence Fellow Post Doc

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

Security Clearance: None/Position does not require US citizenship (assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation)

Position Type: Post Doctoral

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

TheLawrence Fellowshipis a highly competitive postdoctoral position at LLNL that is open to all technical disciplines. Fellows are free to pursue their own independent research agenda with subject matter experts who provide guidance and mentorship. Fellowships are awarded to candidates with exceptional talent, scientific track records, and potential for significant achievements. Details of the fellowship may be found at http://fellowship.llnl.gov

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

You will

• Conduct research and/or development outlined in your research proposal in one or more of the following areas: Atmospheric Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geoscience, Energy, Lasers, Material Science, Mathematics, and Physics. Pursue independent research interests 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. Review research progress with the Laboratory's Directed Research and Development Program. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific field. Demonstrated creativity, exceptional ability, and proven accomplishments in applicant's area of specialization through peer-review publication and presentations. Demonstrated ability to develop a research project that is impactful to national security or society. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication to their technical peers and to a broad interdisciplinary audience.

Pay Range

$151,956 Annually

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 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.

How To Identify Fake Job Advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond. To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.