Microanalytical Mass Spectrometry and Microscopy - Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Microanalytical Mass Spectrometry and Microscopy. The role focuses on developing correlative techniques for forensic characterization of nuclear materials using NanoSIMS, SEM/EDS/TEM, and AI/ML to analyze high‑resolution images and quantify lateral mixing and age dating.

This on‑site appointment is up to three years, requires U.S.

Qualifications

• PhD in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, materials science or related field.
• Experience with microanalysis methods (SIMS, SEM, EDS, TEM).
• Strong mass spectrometry foundation and data analysis skills.
• Ability to develop independent research projects and publish results.

Responsibilities

• Use SIMS instruments (e.g., NanoSIMS) for high-resolution isotopic imaging.
• Use SEM/EDS/TEM for elemental and morphological characterization.
• Apply AI/ML tools to analyze microanalytical image datasets.
• Quantify uncertainties in microanalytical measurements.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to achieve research goals.

Skills

Python programming

Mass spectrometry

Electron microscopy

Data analysis

Independent research

Communication skills

Education

PhD in analytical chemistry

Tools

NanoSIMS

Small Geometry SIMS

SEM

EDS

TEM

Job description

Microanalytical Mass Spectrometry and Microscopy - 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
• Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
• Position Type: Post Doctoral

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.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop novel, correlative microanalytical techniques for forensic characterization of nuclear materials, with a focus on developing approaches for nuclear materials characterization across a range of spatial scales. This position leverages LLNL’s state-of-the-art suite of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), electron microscopy and other complementary instruments to build upon previous research investigating lateral mixing quantification, age dating, and correlative image fusion methodologies. This position is in the Trace Isotope and Element Signatures group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

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

You will

• Use SIMS instruments (e.g., NanoSIMS and Small Geometry SIMS) for high-resolution isotopic imaging.
• Use electron microscopy instruments (secondary electron microscopy [SEM], energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy [EDS] and transmission electron microscopy [TEM]) for elemental and morphological characterization.
• Employ artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) tools to analyze and interpret microanalytical image datasets.
• Apply statistical methods for uncertainty quantification in microanalytical measurements.
• Publish research results in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals.
• Present findings at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings within the nuclear forensics community.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• PhD in analytical chemistry, geochemistry, materials science, or related field.
• Experience with microanalysis methods, such as SIMS, SEM, EDS and TEM.
• Strong foundation in mass spectrometry principles.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Programming experience in Python or similar environments for data analysis, visualization and/or automation.
• Innovative experimental skills with experience in experimental design, technique development, and execution.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research environments.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills for delivering presentations, preparing publications and writing technical reports.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with correlative microanalytical techniques and/or multi-modal imaging approaches.
• Knowledge of nuclear forensics concepts, material production processes and/or nuclear fuel cycle science.

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.

#LI-Onsite

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)

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

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.

CaliforniaPrivacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob 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 .

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply