Particle Beam Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance computational particle accelerator and warm dense matter physics. You will help develop bremsstrahlung targets for multi‑pulse radiography and perform transport and Monte Carlo simulations, data analysis, and visualization with senior staff guidance.

The role lives in the Electromagnetics Section of the National Security Engineering Division, offering a hybrid schedule with some days remote.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, High Energy Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Experience performing research in particle accelerator physics, high energy physics, or computational physics.
• Experience with data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific software frameworks.
• Experience with statistical analysis and uncertainty qualifications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through publications and scientific presentations.

Responsibilities

• Model electron beams and accelerator transport.
• Perform hydrodynamic modeling of interactions between high energy electron beams and solid material.
• Conduct Monte Carlo simulations to study photon generation and propagation.
• Develop methods to automate simulation workflows and quantify metrics of interest under senior guidance.
• Run simulations on HPC architecture.
• Contribute to DoE milestones for multi-pulse radiography technologies.
• Present research at meetings, DoE reviews, and conferences.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with physicists, computer scientists, and materials scientists across LLNL and external institutions.

Skills

Data analysis

Effective communication

Education

PhD in Physics/High Energy Physics or related

Tools

Python

MATLAB

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

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Postdoctoral Research Program provides mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to computational particle accelerator and warm dense matter physics. You will aid in the development of next-generation bremsstrahlung radiation converter targets for multi-pulse radiography experiments. Research activities include electron beam transport simulations, warm dense matter simulations, experimental device design, data analysis and visualization, and potential experimental campaigns. This position is in the Electromagnetics Section in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Perform modeling of electron beams and accelerator transport.
• Perform hydrodynamic modeling to study the interactions between high energy electron beams and solid material.
• Perform Monte Carlo simulations to study photon generation and propagation.
• Develop methods to improve and automate simulation workflows, as well as aid in the development and qualification of metrics and quantities of interest under the guidance of senior staff.
• Perform simulations on HPC architecture.
• Contribute to DoE-funded milestones for the development of multi-pulse radiography technologies.
• Present research at collaborative meetings, DoE reviews, workshops, and conferences.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with physicists, computer scientists, and material scientists across LLNL and external institutions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Ph.D. in Physics, High Energy Physics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Experience performing research in particle accelerator physics, high energy physics, or computational physics.
• Experienced with data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific software frameworks.
• Experience with statistical analysis and uncertainty qualifications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through publications and scientific presentations.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with warm dense matter physics and electron beam physics
• Experience with high-performance computing
• Experience with scientific machine learning
• Experience developing workflows in Linux environments.

Pay Range

$122,028 - $143,328 Annually

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start 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

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.

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.

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.