Freelance Postdoctoral Ultrafast Spectroscopy Jobs

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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 have multiple openings for Laser Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) to participate in the research and development of advanced solid-state laser technology, ultra-fast solid-state lasers, high peak power lasers, high average power lasers, and high energy / high intensity short pulse lasers. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world's most energetic laser.

APT specializes in developing high repetition rate long- and short-pulsed laser systems, like the High-repetition-rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System, and high repetition rate high energy nanosecond pulsed diode-pumped solid-state lasers for EUV generation and Inertial Fusion Energy, as well as associated innovative component demonstrations. This position is in the High Energy Density & Photon Science (HED & PS) organization in the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) group within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD). 

In this role you will

• Conduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: long and short pulse laser experiments including characterization of performance, designing, building, testing, fielding, and commissioning laser systems, components, and laser and optical diagnostics.
• Design, implement, and analyze techniques in long and short pulse laser experiments including characterization of performance and laser and optical diagnostics.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental and simulation data using statistical and computational tools, present findings clearly through detailed reports, visualizations, and presentations to support scientific communication and decision-making.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Conduct independent (complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD degree in laser physics, applied physics, general physics, atomic physics, optics and optoelectronics, or related technical field or discipline.
• Experience designing, building, and/or operating  high-energy (> mJ) solid-state lasers.
• Experience with one or more of the following areas: short pulse laser technology, frequency conversion, non-linear optics, fiber lasers, ultrafast lasers, short pulse laser diagnostics, and/or plasma physics.
• Ability to perform as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
• Experience developing and proposing independent research projects, including publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Effective initiative and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience designing, building, and/or operating J-class solid-state lasers.
• Experience with laser, pulsed power sources, high density plasma interactions and/or conducting high energy density experiments.
• Experience with optoelectronic device simulation (LaserMOD, LASTIP, PICS3D, Silvaco and/or self-written code) and/or optical system design and analysis using sequential and/or non-sequential raytracing tools (Zemax, Code V, OSLO, FRED, LightTools, or ASAP).
• Experience with electromagnetic field simulation using finite-difference time domain, finite element, finite element thermal simulation (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or self-written code), and/or beam propagation simulation tools (FIMMWave, BeamPROP, etc., and/or self-written code).
• Experience with CAD-based mechanical design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, etc.) and test equipment control and automation software development (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, etc.).

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; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

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. 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.

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If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

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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.

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