Physics World
Laser Modeling Physicist- Postdoctoral Researcher
Physics World, Livermore, California, United States, 94551
Job Title
Laser Modeling Physicist - Postdoctoral Researcher
Company Description Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where employees apply their expertise to create solutions for big ideas that make the world a better place.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range $113,487 - $125,525 Annually
Job Description We are seeking a Laser Modeling Physicist - Postdoctoral Researcher in our Laser Science and Systems Engineering Program to participate in the research, development, and modeling of advanced solid state laser technology, and high energy laser design for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.
Responsibilities
Conduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: modeling and experimental manipulation of beam propagation, optical breakdown in gases, nonlinear effects, frequency conversion and design of advanced laser architectures for the Next Generation of High Energy Density (NG-HED) systems in support of National Security missions.
Design, implement, and validate with measurements advanced laser physics and nonlinear optics models coupled with the existing LLNL beam propagation code VBL++ (Virtual Beam Line) running on both single and extreme parallel-processor high performance computers.
Participate in the design of innovative technologies to be deployed at the National Ignition Facility involving kJ laser pulses, gas breakdown, shock-waves generation and particulate generation.
Organize, analyze, and present data from research with peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.
Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of researchers internally and externally to the Laboratory.
Work within a dynamic team environment to document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Ph.D. in applied mathematics or physics, laser physics, optics and optoelectronics or related field.
Experience in experimental physics in one or more of the following areas: atmospheric beam propagation, optical polarization, solid state lasers, laser cavities, short pulse laser technology, frequency conversion, non‑linear optics, crystal optics, computational fluid dynamics, laser‑matter interaction.
Experience with finite element analysis software packages (Ansys, COMSOL or equivalent).
Experience with Mathematica, MATLAB, Python and/or similar scripting and data analysis tools.
Experience developing mathematical models for beam propagation including nonlinear interactions, for long and short pulses.
Experience in numerical methods to efficiently implement and solve these equations in codes.
Ability to perform as an innovative researcher with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
Experience developing independent research projects, including publication of peer‑reviewed literature.
Proficient written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in laser modeling and familiarity with atmospheric beam propagation, nonlinear optics and basics of solid‑state laser architectures.
Hands‑on experience with laser, linear and nonlinear optics experimental laboratory techniques.
Benefits
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 – visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values.
Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If selected, a Federal background investigation will determine eligibility for access to classified information or matter. 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. 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 that pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device 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, see 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Company Description Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where employees apply their expertise to create solutions for big ideas that make the world a better place.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the laboratory’s mission.
Pay Range $113,487 - $125,525 Annually
Job Description We are seeking a Laser Modeling Physicist - Postdoctoral Researcher in our Laser Science and Systems Engineering Program to participate in the research, development, and modeling of advanced solid state laser technology, and high energy laser design for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate.
Responsibilities
Conduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: modeling and experimental manipulation of beam propagation, optical breakdown in gases, nonlinear effects, frequency conversion and design of advanced laser architectures for the Next Generation of High Energy Density (NG-HED) systems in support of National Security missions.
Design, implement, and validate with measurements advanced laser physics and nonlinear optics models coupled with the existing LLNL beam propagation code VBL++ (Virtual Beam Line) running on both single and extreme parallel-processor high performance computers.
Participate in the design of innovative technologies to be deployed at the National Ignition Facility involving kJ laser pulses, gas breakdown, shock-waves generation and particulate generation.
Organize, analyze, and present data from research with peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.
Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of researchers internally and externally to the Laboratory.
Work within a dynamic team environment to document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
Ph.D. in applied mathematics or physics, laser physics, optics and optoelectronics or related field.
Experience in experimental physics in one or more of the following areas: atmospheric beam propagation, optical polarization, solid state lasers, laser cavities, short pulse laser technology, frequency conversion, non‑linear optics, crystal optics, computational fluid dynamics, laser‑matter interaction.
Experience with finite element analysis software packages (Ansys, COMSOL or equivalent).
Experience with Mathematica, MATLAB, Python and/or similar scripting and data analysis tools.
Experience developing mathematical models for beam propagation including nonlinear interactions, for long and short pulses.
Experience in numerical methods to efficiently implement and solve these equations in codes.
Ability to perform as an innovative researcher with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
Experience developing independent research projects, including publication of peer‑reviewed literature.
Proficient written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in laser modeling and familiarity with atmospheric beam propagation, nonlinear optics and basics of solid‑state laser architectures.
Hands‑on experience with laser, linear and nonlinear optics experimental laboratory techniques.
Benefits
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 – visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values.
Security Clearance This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If selected, a Federal background investigation will determine eligibility for access to classified information or matter. 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. 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 that pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device 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, see 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr