Plasma Physics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct experimental laser-driven, dynamic compression research with emphasis on structural and bulk temperature measurements under extreme conditions. Temperature determination and in situ X-ray diffraction in extreme states is a key element of the portfolio, but the role is intentionally broad to support a range of high energy density science objectives. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of experimental physicists, materials scientists, and optical/x-ray diagnosticians utilizing world-class facilities to conduct High Energy Density experiments. This position is in the Physics Division within the Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) Directorate.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Participate in the conception, design, fielding, and evaluation of laser-driven experiments to study the physics of HED matter.
• Develop, implement and optimize techniques for bulk temperature determination at extreme conditions.
• Develop and implement innovative measurement and analysis methods for in situ X-ray diffraction at extreme conditions.
• Conceive, plan, and propose novel experiments at major user facilities.
• Function as an independent, self-motivated researcher with scientific integrity and attention to detail.
• Collaborate effectively and communicate well within large, multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop data processing workflows to reduce measurements, validate results across diagnostics, and quantify uncertainties for reliable state and material property extraction.
• Document and publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings to maintain professional and institutional visibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  See Additional Information section below for details.
• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature and experience presenting research results to scientific audiences.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: condensed matter physics, plasma physics, high pressure physics, X-ray diagnostics, optical diagnostics, or HED experiments.
• Ability to perform independent research, find innovative solutions, rapidly learn new techniques, and produce solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative teams.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of condensed matter and/or high energy density (HED) physics.
• Experience with scientific data analysis using Python or similar tools, including data reduction for x-ray and optical diagnostics, such as diffraction analysis, EXAFS, or IXS processing.
• Experience developing new experimental techniques and/or algorithms to understand matter in new regimes.

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. 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-Hybrid

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

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.  

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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 use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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. 

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.