Design Physics Division Postdoctoral Researcher Planetary Defense

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Planetary Defense Group. We invite PhD graduates from STEM fields to apply (including but not limited to the various physics disciplines engineering experimental science computational physics geological science planetary science chemistry or material science). This opportunity is intended for individuals who have finished their PhD and wish to further develop their skills knowledge and/or abilities to better position themselves for a future staff position within the Design Physics Division or elsewhere at LLNL.

The Planetary Defense Group at LLNL uses high-fidelity hydrocode simulations to address challenging problems related to the mitigation of hazardous asteroids and the consequences of asteroid impacts on Earth. We operate within a larger planetary defense community with collaborations (both domestic and international) spanning the national laboratory complex other government agencies and academic institutions. We primarily focus on dynamic high-strain-rate events. Past projects have involved simulating the NASA DART impact on Dimorphos to better understand how impact ejecta affects deflection constructing a simplified model for the deflection of an asteroid with a nuclear explosive device developing new hydrocode methods to better model asteroid airbursts and validating our codes against relevant experiments. This position is in the Design Physics Division within 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.

You will

• Build detailed multiphysics models using LLNL-based codes and simulation tools.
• Run your models on some of the largest HPC clusters in the world.
• Draw insights from simulations results to inform collaborators and stakeholders.
• Adapt and improve existing tools to advance our modeling capabilities.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• 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 obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in a related physical science engineering or applied mathematics discipline.
• Experience in high-quality research in a relevant field demonstrating both detailed understanding and a broad perspective.
• Demonstrated significant accomplishments in experimental science numerical simulations and modeling and/or the application of theoretical techniques.
• Experience developing innovative solutions to scientific and technical problems.
• Demonstrated proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with Python and HPC systems.

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

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.

Pay Range

$135768 Annually

Additional Information :

#LI-Hybrid

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. 

  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.

  Wireless and Medical Devices

  Per the Department of Energy (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes but not limited to cell phones tablets fitness devices wireless headphones and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

  If you use a medical device which pairs with a mobile device you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

  Pre-Placement Medical Exam

  A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

  How to identify fake job advertisements

  Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under Find Your Job of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent we strongly recommend you do not respond.

  To learn more about recruitment scams:  Employment Opportunity

  We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion marital status national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity disability medical condition pregnancy protected veteran status age citizenship or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

  Reasonable Accommodation

  Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process please use our online form to submit a request. 

  California Privacy Notice

  The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

  
  

  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time