Laser Science and Technology Academic Graduate Appointee

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

The Extreme Lasers, Matter, and Fusion (LMF) Directorate has an opening for a full-time fixed term Laser Science and Technology Academic Graduate Appointee to engage in practical research experience to further their educational goals. You will be provided with research opportunities across a broad array of disciplines within lasers, optical engineering, computational physics, and nonlinear optics.

In this role, you will

• Collaborate with scientists conducting research in the areas of high energy, high peak power and high repetition rate laser design and operations.
• Assist with computational and modeling tasks using the comprehensive beam propagation modeling tool developed in-house, Virtual Beamline ++.
• Present research results in team meetings, scientific meetings, peer reviews, and publications with guidance from senior staff.
• Successfully work as part of an interdisciplinary team on research activities under minimal supervision.
• Support scientists in the use of VBL++ for various applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Foundation in data reduction and manipulation, image processing, numerical methods and/or scientific programming languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to deliver a high quality, polished product in a timely manner.
• Ability to work independently and interact effectively in an interdisciplinary team of scientists.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Qualifications We Desire

• Demonstrated theoretical and/or experimental research experience.
• Theoretical and/or experimental background in lasers and optics.
• Experience with nonlinear optical phenomena.
• Experience working with LaTeX and/or Confluence.

Pay Range

$70,308 – $111,384 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 employee’s 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.

Position Information

This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.

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 https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security 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.

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Equal 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.

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