Applied Scientist

We have an opening for an Applied Scientist to support and lead modeling and experimental investigation of radiation effects on nuclear this role you will be a key member of an interdisciplinary team studying the mechanical effects associated with rapid energy deposition from x-rays neutrons and high-explosive shocks and how these effects may impact complex mechanical structures.

You will be responsible for integrating experimental data with advanced modeling and simulation workflows to develop and validate physics-based material models for radiation and shock environments. The role requires hands-on involvement across the full experimental lifecycleincluding the design build and fielding of experiments implementation of advanced diagnostics data analysis and communication of results to management sponsors and external agencies. You will also travel as necessary to interact with sponsors and customers. This position is in the Physics 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.

You will 

• Integrate experimental and simulation data to develop and validate advanced material models for extreme environments.
• Design build and field experimental platforms collaborating with technical staff and utilizing advanced diagnostics such as time-resolved X-ray imaging photonic Doppler velocimetry digital image correlation and other measurement techniques.
• Develop and automate scientific data analysis workflows using Python MATLAB and high-performance computing environments.
• Lead the full experimental lifecycle including experimental design experiment execution data analysis and communication of results to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Author technical reports research publications and present findings at scientific meetings sponsor briefings and management reviews.
• Maintain an awareness of technical literature in assigned areas.
• Prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results.
• Travel as necessary to interact with sponsors and customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level 

• Serve as a technical specialist in formal and ad hoc groups assembled to address pressing applications in national security.
• Lead and develop new areas of scientific inquiry
• Mentor and help develop staff

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• MS in Applied Science Physics Materials Science/Engineering Mechanical Engineering Nuclear Engineering Chemistry or a closely related field or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Broad experience integrating experimental results with computational modeling and simulation for material model development and validation.
• Broad expertise designing building and executing dynamic experiments using advanced diagnostics (e.g. X-ray imaging photonic Doppler velocimetry digital image correlation high-speed instrumentation).
• Proficiency with hydrocodes and multiphysics simulation tools (e.g. ARES ABAQUS LS-DYNA ALE3D) and familiarity with radiation transport and X-ray modeling techniques.
• Proficient scientific computing and data analysis skills (Python MATLAB) including workflow automation and version control (e.g. Git).
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills with a record of technical reporting scientific presentations and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Broad experience working in highly regulated laboratory or industrial environments with knowledge of safety and quality assurance practices.
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level 

• PhD in Applied Science Physics Materials Science/Engineering Mechanical Engineering Nuclear Engineering Chemistry or a closely related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant experience developing research proposals.
• Experience leading experimental campaigns and developing new research directions in dynamic materials or radiation effects.
• Ability to mentor and train junior staff or students in experimental and computational methods.
• Significant experience presenting technical results to sponsors management and at national/international conferences.
• Significant experience working with neutron optical X-ray and/or shock diagnostics.
• Significant experience designing and executing experiments in highly regulated nuclear environments including the capability to mentor others in this activity.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience within an NNSA laboratory.
• Desire to work on national security programs.
• Active Q clearance

Pay Range

$146340 - $185544 Annually for the SES.2 level 

$175530 - $222564 Annually for the SES.3 level 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employees position within the salary range will be based on several factors including but not limited to specific competencies relevant education qualifications certifications experience skills seniority geographic location performance and business or organizational needs.

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 2026 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