Center for Global Security Research Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratorys Postdoctoral Research Programs provide mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path.

Were looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher for the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR). CGSR was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to serve as a bridge between the science & technology experts at the lab and the broader national security policy communities. Given LLNLs mission to support nuclear deterrence CGSRs core topics are related to nuclear matters including strategic deterrence international stability arms control and nonproliferation. The Center also conducts work on other topics related to the changing security environment such as regional studies emerging and potentially disruptive technologies energy issues and biosecurity. The five main research thrust areas at the Center are:

• Major Power Rivalry and Conflict
• New Regional Challengers and Challenges
• Toward Deterrence Strategy 3.0
• Future of Long-Term Competitive Strategies and
• Future of Cooperative Strategies to Reduce Global Dangers.

Complete descriptions of the CGSR thrust areas and examples of the Centers work can be found at  Center works to achieve these objectives by 1) convening seminars with outside speakers to better understand national policy priorities and national and international developments bearing on the labs missions 2) providing analysis and expertise to laboratory leadership in support of strategic planning and to national leadership in policy development and implementation and 3) advancing thinking about contemporary and emerging national security challenges related to strategic conflict through independent research workshops and publications. The Centers work is conducted on an entirely unclassified basis and is multidisciplinary and entirely nonpartisan in character.

CGSR Postdoctoral Researchers will spend their time engaged in research and writing and are expected to participate in seminars and workshops and to interact and collaborate with leading scientists and researchers across the lab. They will have the opportunity to conduct research on the scientific and technical aspects of security topics as well as to work in collaboration with CGSR research staff. The CGSR Postdoctoral Researcher provides an unparalleled opportunity for scholars to explore complex national and international security problems across the five thrust areas and innovative solutions in a collaborative research environment.

Application Details

• Research abstract (200 words max)
• Research project prospectus or description of dissertation (1500 words max not including footnotes/endnotes)
• Writing sample (50 pages max)
• Three references (will be contacted if short-listed).

All application updates and attachments should be submitted by January 17 2026. 

Selected applicants are expected to start no later than September 1 2026

You will

• Conduct research on politically significant national security topics in line with CGSR research thrust areas.  
• Meet with your CGSR mentor at least once a month to review and refine your research topic discuss project progress and receive general career and intellectual guidance. 
• Publish papers in external outlets such as peer-reviewed journals and/or via CGSRs in-house publication options.
• Communicate and present research findings to different audiences including the laboratory U.S. policymakers officials in allied countries academia think tanks or at workshops and conferences.
• Lead or contribute to the organization and execution of CGSR workshops.
• Respond effectively to the needs of CGSR and other LLNL managers with timely high quality finished analyses for presentation or publication.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Complete brief quarterly fellowship reports in which you describe your research writing and presentation activities during that period.

Qualifications :

• PhD in Political Science International Relations the physical or life sciences engineering regional or area studies or a related field.
• Experience researching analyzing and writing on one or more of the following subjects: nuclear deterrence arms control nonproliferation emerging technologies cybersecurity biological & chemical security regional studies and energy security.
• Experience effectively conducting independent research publishing papers (including publication of peer-reviewed literature) and presenting research findings via briefings lectures or general presentations.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team environment to achieve results in a timely manner.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Attention to detail rigorous logic skills and familiarization with advanced analytic tools and methodologies.

Additional Information :

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

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 at time of hire date.

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