Deterministic Transport Computational Physicist

We have an opening for a Computational Physicist aiming to improve national security through the development of simulation codes for world class supercomputing architectures. You will collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team in advancing state-of-the-art physics simulation capabilities. Applications may include inertial confinement fusion high-energy density physics nuclear/conventional weapons or nuclear counterterrorism. Our projects span the range from smaller focused research codes/modules to multi-physics multi-application production codes.  This position is in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.  

This position may offer a hybrid schedule which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level. 
 

In this role you will  

• Build simulation tools using modern software practices as part of a team. 
• Develop models and algorithms to support physics capabilities for a diverse application space. 
• Support users of your simulation tools. 
• Share results through conferences reports/publications and potential interactions with collaborators. 
• Perform other tasks as assigned. 
   

Additional responsibilities at the mid-career (SES.3) level 

• Develop and critically assess physics capabilities to support applications requiring advanced simulation tools to solve complex problems. 
• Collaborate as a technical expert on multidisciplinary teams. 
• Set specific technical strategies to achieve project goals. 
   

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• PhD or equivalent level of proficiency in physics mathematics engineering or related field. 
• Proficiency in developing scientific applications in Python C/C or FORTRAN.
• Proficiency in deterministic methods for solving the Boltzmann transport equation. 
• Proficiency in converting theory into computational models implementing computational models or evaluating computational algorithms and methods for their applicability. 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring high-quality reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations.

Additional qualifications at the mid-career (SES.3) level 

• Advanced knowledge of physics mathematics engineering or a related field. 
• Significant experience with deterministic methods for solving the Boltzmann transport equation.
• Significant professional programming experience. 
• Experience in leading mentoring and/or collaborating within teams.  
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and a demonstrated record of delivering top-quality research in relevant areas of science and engineering. 

Qualifications We Desire 

• Expertise in one or more science disciplines such as shock hydrodynamics solid/fluid mechanics materials science particle transport radiation transport nuclear physics plasma physics or physical chemistry.
• Proficiency in developing and supporting multi-dimensional numerical simulation.
• Proficiency in developing scientific simulations for high-performance and/or heterogeneous computing systems (e.g. use of MPI OpenMP Cuda/HIP or other HPC technologies).
• Proficiency in using the MFEM finite element library for scientific simulations. 
• Proficiency in developing advanced technical solutions (e.g. numerical algorithms).
• Proficiency in working in a multidisciplinary team-research environment demonstrating creativity and initiative in addressing challenging problems.

Please include a personalized cover letter with your application highlighting your qualifications and why youre interested in this position.

Additional Information :

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  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. 

  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.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time