Laser Postdoctoral Researcher Advanced Photon Technologies

We have multiple openings for Laser Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) to participate in the research and development of advanced solid-state laser technology ultra-fast solid-state lasers high peak power lasers high average power lasers and high energy / high intensity short pulse lasers. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate home to the worlds most energetic laser.

APT specializes in developing high repetition rate long- and short-pulsed laser systems like the High-repetition-rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System and high repetition rate high energy nanosecond pulsed diode-pumped solid-state lasers for EUV generation and Inertial Fusion Energy as well as associated innovative component demonstrations. This position is in the High Energy Density & Photon Science (HED & PS) organization in the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) group within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD). 

In this role you will

• Conduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: long and short pulse laser experiments including characterization of performance designing building testing fielding and commissioning laser systems components and laser and optical diagnostics.
• Design implement and analyze techniques in long and short pulse laser experiments including characterization of performance and laser and optical diagnostics.
• Organize analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data using statistical and computational tools present findings clearly through detailed reports visualizations and presentations to support scientific communication and decision-making.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception design and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Conduct independent (complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD degree in laser physics applied physics general physics atomic physics optics and optoelectronics or related technical field or discipline.
• Experience designing building and/or operating  high-energy (> mJ) solid-state lasers.
• Experience with one or more of the following areas: short pulse laser technology frequency conversion non-linear optics fiber lasers ultrafast lasers short pulse laser diagnostics and/or plasma physics.
• Ability to perform as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design techniques and execution.
• Experience developing and proposing independent research projects including publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Effective initiative and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience designing building and/or operating J-class solid-state lasers.
• Experience with laser pulsed power sources high density plasma interactions and/or conducting high energy density experiments.
• Experience with optoelectronic device simulation (LaserMOD LASTIP PICS3D Silvaco and/or self-written code) and/or optical system design and analysis using sequential and/or non-sequential raytracing tools (Zemax Code V OSLO FRED LightTools or ASAP).
• Experience with electromagnetic field simulation using finite-difference time domain finite element finite element thermal simulation (e.g. COMSOL ANSYS and/or self-written code) and/or beam propagation simulation tools (FIMMWave BeamPROP etc. and/or self-written code).
• Experience with CAD-based mechanical design (e.g. AutoCAD SolidWorks SolidEdge etc.) and test equipment control and automation software development (LabVIEW Python MATLAB etc.).

Pay Range

$123048 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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 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 2026 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. 

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time