Physics World
Surface Analytical Scientist – Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
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 dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range
$140,700 - $214,032 annually
$140,700 - $178,392 annually for the SES.2 level
$168,780 - $214,032 annually for the SES.3 level
Job Description We are seeking a Surface Analytical Scientist to conduct materials analysis and research using X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and related techniques.
You will serve as the primary point of contact for XPS data collection and analysis, supporting diverse projects in national security and advanced materials research.
You will engage with multidisciplinary science teams across a broad range of national security applications.
This position is in the Nanoscale, Surface, and Interface Science group of the Materials for Emerging Applications & Extreme Conditions section in the Materials Science Division.
This position requires full‑time on‑site presence due to the nature of the work.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team.
Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
Responsibilities
Execute and oversee characterization experiments using XPS on a broad range of materials, e.g., metals, hazardous materials (radioactive) and polymers.
Perform data reduction, peak fitting, interpretation and prepare data reports, including relevant literature where appropriate.
Manage routine equipment calibration, maintenance, and optimization.
Coordinate and assist with sample preparation, handling, and supporting characterization.
Maintain laboratory records, including sample and collection metadata.
Interact with vendors, trades, and technical staff to coordinate or perform repairs, upgrades, or other necessary maintenance.
Communicate proactively with customers and stakeholders to actively manage XPS instrument prioritization, throughput and uptime.
Collaborate effectively within an integrated, multidisciplinary team.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Job Responsibilities – SES.3 Level
Provide subject matter expertise on XPS, including advanced data collection and analysis methods, instrumentation and hardware maintenance, and familiarity with state‑of‑the‑art techniques.
Oversee and collaborate with scientists and technicians to ensure project deliverables and efficient laboratory operations.
Lead experimental design for characterization of surface and interfacial phenomena using XPS and related techniques.
Document and publish research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals.
Maintain professional and institutional visibility through participation in conferences and technical outreach.
Qualifications
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
Master’s degree in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficient experience operating and maintaining XPS equipment.
Experience in data analysis, including peak fitting and/or assignment.
Familiarity with complementary analytical methods such as Auger electron spectroscopy and time‑of‑flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills for relaying technical information.
Proficient interpersonal skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Qualifications – SES.3 Level
Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary projects and delivering high‑quality technical products.
Significant experience documenting and publishing research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals.
Advanced communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Qualifications We Desire
Prior experience working on DOE and/or DOD projects.
Expert experience with ultrahigh vacuum system design, assembly, and maintenance.
Experience with near‑ambient pressure XPS, or in situ liquid/gas cells for X‑ray analysis.
Proficiency working with air‑free environments (gloveboxes).
li>Demonstrated ability to write proposals and secure research funding.
Position Information This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite not to exceed six years. If the final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (subject to funding availability).
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
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 –
https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q‑level clearance.
If selected, we 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.
Purple and Medical Devices Per DOE, LLNL must comply with restrictions on mobile devices in limited areas.
Depending on job duties, use of personal/mobile devices may be restricted in certain zones.
How To Identify 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” on our website.
If you encounter a job posting or were approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we recommend you do not respond.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing 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 If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), job applicants, employees, and non‑employee workers are entitled to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose.
The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range
$140,700 - $214,032 annually
$140,700 - $178,392 annually for the SES.2 level
$168,780 - $214,032 annually for the SES.3 level
Job Description We are seeking a Surface Analytical Scientist to conduct materials analysis and research using X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and related techniques.
You will serve as the primary point of contact for XPS data collection and analysis, supporting diverse projects in national security and advanced materials research.
You will engage with multidisciplinary science teams across a broad range of national security applications.
This position is in the Nanoscale, Surface, and Interface Science group of the Materials for Emerging Applications & Extreme Conditions section in the Materials Science Division.
This position requires full‑time on‑site presence due to the nature of the work.
This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team.
Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
Responsibilities
Execute and oversee characterization experiments using XPS on a broad range of materials, e.g., metals, hazardous materials (radioactive) and polymers.
Perform data reduction, peak fitting, interpretation and prepare data reports, including relevant literature where appropriate.
Manage routine equipment calibration, maintenance, and optimization.
Coordinate and assist with sample preparation, handling, and supporting characterization.
Maintain laboratory records, including sample and collection metadata.
Interact with vendors, trades, and technical staff to coordinate or perform repairs, upgrades, or other necessary maintenance.
Communicate proactively with customers and stakeholders to actively manage XPS instrument prioritization, throughput and uptime.
Collaborate effectively within an integrated, multidisciplinary team.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Additional Job Responsibilities – SES.3 Level
Provide subject matter expertise on XPS, including advanced data collection and analysis methods, instrumentation and hardware maintenance, and familiarity with state‑of‑the‑art techniques.
Oversee and collaborate with scientists and technicians to ensure project deliverables and efficient laboratory operations.
Lead experimental design for characterization of surface and interfacial phenomena using XPS and related techniques.
Document and publish research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals.
Maintain professional and institutional visibility through participation in conferences and technical outreach.
Qualifications
Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship.
Master’s degree in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficient experience operating and maintaining XPS equipment.
Experience in data analysis, including peak fitting and/or assignment.
Familiarity with complementary analytical methods such as Auger electron spectroscopy and time‑of‑flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills for relaying technical information.
Proficient interpersonal skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Qualifications – SES.3 Level
Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success managing multidisciplinary projects and delivering high‑quality technical products.
Significant experience documenting and publishing research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals.
Advanced communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Qualifications We Desire
Prior experience working on DOE and/or DOD projects.
Expert experience with ultrahigh vacuum system design, assembly, and maintenance.
Experience with near‑ambient pressure XPS, or in situ liquid/gas cells for X‑ray analysis.
Proficiency working with air‑free environments (gloveboxes).
li>Demonstrated ability to write proposals and secure research funding.
Position Information This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite not to exceed six years. If the final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (subject to funding availability).
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
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 –
https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q‑level clearance.
If selected, we 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.
Purple and Medical Devices Per DOE, LLNL must comply with restrictions on mobile devices in limited areas.
Depending on job duties, use of personal/mobile devices may be restricted in certain zones.
How To Identify 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” on our website.
If you encounter a job posting or were approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we recommend you do not respond.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing 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 If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), job applicants, employees, and non‑employee workers are entitled to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose.
The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
#J-18808-Ljbffr