Optics Materials Research Scientist

We have an opening for a skilled and innovative Research Scientist to pursue the development of materials for optics and laser systems. The ideal candidate will lead research efforts in characterization and development of advanced materials used in optics for various laser projects including the National Ignition Facility the worlds largest laser. The selected candidate will collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary science and technology team and act as a subject matter expert and project lead in advancing the state of the art in crystals glass and ceramic materials for high power and energy lasers. This position is in the Materials Science Division of Physics and Life Science Directorate.

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. 

You will 

• Characterize crystals ceramics and amorphous materials mainly used for high power lasers.
• Use your knowledge of glasses crystals and/or inorganic chemistry to guide experimental studies of the structural thermal and optical properties of these materials as made and as a function of its processing. Some examples are the interaction of such materials with light and their failure under mechanical stress. There will be a strong focus on processing science (such as bulk manufacturing grinding polishing cleaning etching and assembly).
• Develop new and improved processing of optical materials in collaboration with our in-house team and industrial partners.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate materials into laser-system designs
• Work within a process engineering team to support a 7-day/week Optics Production Facility.   Define and prepare operating procedures train technicians and maintain operational status of production processes and laboratory safety standards.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Write research proposals
• Stay updated on advancements in glass and crystal technologies to drive innovation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Materials Science Chemical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant Knowledge of glass science crystallography and/or materials characterization techniques (e.g. various forms of microscopy SEM/EDS spectroscopy analytical chemical analysis and XRD). 
• Significant experience in developing new materials characterization or improving existing ones. 
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data interpretation and modeling tools. 
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists engineers technicians and other technical and administrative staff.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 Level

• Expert-level knowledge of glass science crystallography and/or materials characterization techniques
• Significant experience at the expert level in the development of principles theories concepts and techniques relevant to material science and inorganic chemistry research.
• Expert  experience working in research environments independently and in a team effectively.
• Substantial experience in developing new materials or improving existing ones
• Experience in or knowledge of pilot-plant-scale operations and process development including requirements design safety construction or modification of process or pilot-scale equipment or systems.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

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)
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  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time