Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member in the area of machine learning driven atomistic simulations in support of additive manufacturing (AM) of organics, including energetic materials. The primary research thrust of this project involves the predictive design of new AM inks with tailored mechanical (and chemical) properties produced under dynamic compression. The technical thrust of this position will entail the design of a concurrent, multi-scale modeling approach that allows for simulation from the quantum-scale to molecular dynamics and further coarse-grained models, coupled by material specific features learned during the course of a simulation. This position is in the Materials Dynamics and Kinetics research group of the Materials Science Division.

In this role you will 

• Perform quantum simulations of condensed organic matter under dynamic compression.
• Conduct research in molecular dynamics force field development, including machine learning approaches.
• Use unsupervised learning approaches to characterize the physical-chemical phase space of organic mixtures..
• Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of research to related to the study of materials under extreme thermodynamic conditions.
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at national and international conferences.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience in first-principles simulation techniques of condensed phases.
• Experience in programming in C/C++, Fortran, or an equivalent high-level language. Knowledge of a scripting language is a plus.
• Experience with machine learning approach as applied to materials science problems, including representation learning approaches for feature extraction.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as evidenced through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated capabilities to author  technical and scientific reports and publications and deliver scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

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

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