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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

The Nuclear Data & Theory Group at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member to develop and pursue innovative research in low-energy nuclear theory. The research will be focused on applications of nuclear density functional theory to nuclear structure and decays, possibly including fission or reaction networks. The selected candidate will leverage LLNL high-performance computing facilities and data science expertise to predict properties of atomic nuclei across the chart of isotopes. This position is in the Nuclear Data and Theory group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

In this role you will 

• Develop and pursue innovative research in nuclear density functional theory.
• Design and implement efficient tools to predict the low-energy nuclear structure of atomic nuclei across the chart of isotopes.
• Propose ideas and methods to apply density functional methods to nuclear decays or reaction network calculations.
• Contribute development of computer codes running on large-scale computing facilities.
• Engage in collaboration with other theorists in the Nuclear Data and Theory group, LLNL technical personnel and/or external researchers.
• Document and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Nuclear Theory or closely related field.
• Experience in theoretical nuclear physics applied to low-energy nuclear structure, nuclear decays, fission, or reaction networks.
• Programming experience with Fortran, C, C++, Python or equivalent programming languages.
• Some experience in high-performance computing on supercomputers.
• Experience with, or interest for, statistical methods relevant for calibration, inference, and/or uncertainty quantification and propagation.
• Initiative and ability to perform independent research and find innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Interpersonal skills, desire, and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills needed to effectively present and explain results of scientific research in presentations at seminars, meetings, and journal publications.

Qualifications We Desire

• Proficiency in developing mean-field or beyond mean-field based methods, either phenomenological or based on density functional theory, for either nuclear structure, nuclear decays, nuclear reactions, or fission.
• Knowledge of parallel programming with MPI and/or OpenMP.
• Familiarity with data science techniques and software.

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.  Eligible candidates are those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2022 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site . 

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.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.)  For additional information, please see DOE Order 472.2 (link is external) . 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing candidates and employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We value and hire a diverse workforce as it is a vital component of our culture and success. 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.

LLNL invites you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law (link is external) and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (link is external) .

Reasonable Accommodation

At LLNL, 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 submit a request via our online form . 

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 .