Postdoctoral Researcher Jobs in Massachusetts (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 in the field of edge plasma physics for magnetic fusion devices. You will apply expertise in diagnostic design, construction, calibration, operation, and interpretation in collaboration with engineering and experimental teams with the goal to understand challenges with power handling in magnetic fusion devices. The research aims to implement advanced infrared diagnostics and techniques for measurements of temperature and heat flux inside the SPARC tokamak under construction by Commonwealth Fusion Systems, as well as infrared characterization of in-vessel materials to aide in in-vessel infrared interpretation. The work involves planning and integration of the diagnostic into tokamak systems in collaboration with CFS staff, complementing other visible and infrared diagnostics on the machine, as well as operation of advanced characterization tools in a laboratory environment. Regular interaction and close coordination with CFS technical/engineering and scientific staff in a fast-paced environment, and supported by LLNL staff on the project. This position is in the Magnetic Fusion Energy Spherical Tokamaks group, Fusion Energy Sciences Section of the Physics Division. The primary work location will be at Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Devens, Massachusetts.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Conduct research in the area of edge plasma and plasma-surface interaction physics.
• Work as a team member to design, construct, calibrate, operate, and interpret edge plasma diagnostics.
• Analyze data to contribute to validation of theoretical models and simulations for fusion devices.
• Document and publish research results in peer reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists and engineers internally and externally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Work must be performed by a U.S. person (e.g., U.S. citizen or permanent resident and certain others). Also, assignments longer than 179 days require a federal background investigation.
• PhD in plasma physics or engineering or related field.
• Knowledge of basic plasma physics.
• Experience in experimental measurements in plasma devices.
• Documented publication record in peer reviewed literature and experience presenting research results to a large audience.
• Experience carrying out independent research and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• 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.
• Experience working independently and in a team environment to achieve program goals in a timely fashion.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of edge plasmas in fusion devices.
• Experience with diagnostic hardware design and implementation in a scientific setting.
• Experience with data analysis programming languages, such as Python and IDL.
• Familiarity with imaging and spectroscopic edge plasma diagnostic techniques.
• Experience with infrared cameras and optics.

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-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

None required.  However, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).

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.)

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.