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 Researcher position in optical spectroscopy and photonic integrated sensors. An important aspect of the work is developing highly sensitive sensors with extremely small factors using micro and nanotechnologies. The selected candidate will contribute to the Micro & Nano Technology Section (MNTS) capabilities in which the development of novel materials and architectures for high sensitivity and specificity sensors that are sought for various programmatic applications. Particular interest will be shown to candidates with experience in chem-bio sensing, fiber optics, integrated photonics, plasmonics, spectroscopy, micro/nano-fabrication processes, and hands-on laboratory experimentation (e.g. ability to configure automated experiments for efficient data collection). However, more important than specific skills, we are seeking a creative, goal-driven and academically accomplished individual who can rise to meet the scientific challenges and opportunities that this position will require.  This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering directorate.

In this role you will 

• Fabricate and characterize designed materials, devices, and systems.
• Simulate optical response in semiconductor materials and devices.
• Work with lasers, optical fibers for optical spectroscopy, perform moderately complex measurements, analysis, and modification of optical systems  
• Organize, analyze, and present data from research.
• Conduct research in and development of novel optical resonant devices for enhanced spectroscopy and sensing, including functional metamaterials and plasmonics,
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and integration experts from LLNL and its sponsors in all aspects of device and system development.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform all assignments safely in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
• Write proposals, secure funding, and establish independent research projects. Pursue research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Applied Science, or related field.
• Experience with one or more of the following areas: laser technology and optics, semiconductor, ceramics and dielectric fabrication processes (i.e. lithography, vacuum deposition techniques, wet and dry etching techniques for micro and nanostructuring), and diagnostics (AFM, SEM, XPS, etc).
• Experience of optical characterization techniques including UV-VIS, IR, Raman spectroscopy, refractometry, ellipsometry, optical alignment and loss characterization.
• Experience with optical setup construction and alignment.
• Experience with optical software like COMSOL, RSOFT, LUMERICAL
• Ability as a creative experimentalist.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Fundamental initiative and interpersonal skills and ability to succeed in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in quantum dots and optical quantum measurement techniques (e.g. HOM, HBT).
• Experience in computer programming for data analysis (e.g. Python, Matlab, Mathematica, C/C++).
• Experience with computer software for instrumentation design and control (e.g. LabView, Zemax).

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 either no security clearance, or a Department of Energy (DOE) L-level or Q-level clearance depending on the particular assignment.  

If you are selected and a security clearance is required, 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.  L and Q-level clearances require U.S. citizenship.  

If no security clearance is required, but 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 .