Physics World
National Security Engineering Division - Postdoctoral Researcher
Physics World, Livermore, California, United States, 94551
Overview
Postdoctoral Researcher in the National Security Engineering Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The position focuses on research in structural mechanics and engineering design of advanced materials for space applications, contributing to next-generation large aperture optical space payloads with novel structures, mechanisms and materials. This position is in the Advanced Space Development Group (ASDG) within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), Engineering Directorate. This position requires full-time on-site presence. Responsibilities
Conduct fundamental research in structural dynamics of novel materials for space payload applications. Develop custom structural and dynamic finite element simulations. Research and advise the Space Hardware group on research direction for novel materials. Contribute to the conception, design and execution of experiments related to novel material development and characterization. Support lab experiments to test and characterize mechanical response of novel materials for space applications. Communicate and collaborate with engineers, scientists and physicists supporting space payload development. Develop new computational tools for high performance computing studies. Support proposal development for the Space Hardware group. Design research plans, generate and analyze results, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings. Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders. Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field sites. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. PhD in a related field (physical science, engineering, or applied mathematics). Experience designing complex mechanical devices, accounting for material choices, thermal management, and preferably optical performance. Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems. Ability to perform independent and original research and communicate findings through publications and presentations. Proficient verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated leadership to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team. Ability to travel. Desirable Qualifications
Experience in mathematical modeling of material interactions in harsh environments. Understanding of requirements of space-bound mechanical components and mechanisms. Understanding of radiation effects on space electronics and how to use novel material approaches for shielding. 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 by the time of hire date. Why LLNL
Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (depending on project needs) Our values and inclusion information: https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If selected, LLNL will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine eligibility for access to classified information. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicants selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Equal Employment Opportunity
LLNL is an equal opportunity employer that provides 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
LLNL provides reasonable accommodations for candidates during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please submit a request online. California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides privacy rights to California residents and applies to job applicants, employees, and workers. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
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Postdoctoral Researcher in the National Security Engineering Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The position focuses on research in structural mechanics and engineering design of advanced materials for space applications, contributing to next-generation large aperture optical space payloads with novel structures, mechanisms and materials. This position is in the Advanced Space Development Group (ASDG) within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), Engineering Directorate. This position requires full-time on-site presence. Responsibilities
Conduct fundamental research in structural dynamics of novel materials for space payload applications. Develop custom structural and dynamic finite element simulations. Research and advise the Space Hardware group on research direction for novel materials. Contribute to the conception, design and execution of experiments related to novel material development and characterization. Support lab experiments to test and characterize mechanical response of novel materials for space applications. Communicate and collaborate with engineers, scientists and physicists supporting space payload development. Develop new computational tools for high performance computing studies. Support proposal development for the Space Hardware group. Design research plans, generate and analyze results, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. Present research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and technical meetings. Contribute to technical reports for sponsors and stakeholders. Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field sites. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. PhD in a related field (physical science, engineering, or applied mathematics). Experience designing complex mechanical devices, accounting for material choices, thermal management, and preferably optical performance. Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems. Ability to perform independent and original research and communicate findings through publications and presentations. Proficient verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated leadership to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team. Ability to travel. Desirable Qualifications
Experience in mathematical modeling of material interactions in harsh environments. Understanding of requirements of space-bound mechanical components and mechanisms. Understanding of radiation effects on space electronics and how to use novel material approaches for shielding. 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 by the time of hire date. Why LLNL
Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (depending on project needs) Our values and inclusion information: https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If selected, LLNL will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine eligibility for access to classified information. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicants selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Equal Employment Opportunity
LLNL is an equal opportunity employer that provides 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
LLNL provides reasonable accommodations for candidates during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please submit a request online. California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides privacy rights to California residents and applies to job applicants, employees, and workers. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
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