Applied Plasma Science for National Security - Postdoctoral Researcher

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Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States' security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$108,840 Annually

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to study two-fluid plasma relaxation with internal ion flow and magnetic field measurements, and other technically challenging problems.  This position is in the Applied Plasmafor National Security Group in the Fusion Energy Sciences Program within the Physics Division. 

You will

• Commission and field internal plasma particle flux probe.
• Design laboratory plasma experiments to study turbulent relaxation and self-organization of magnetized plasmas.
• Design and conduct multi-week experimental campaigns at the Madison Symmetric Torus (MST) in the Wisconsin Plasma Physics Laboratory (WiPPL).
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Pursue independent but complementary research to the groups interests and interact with exceptional scientists both internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Maintain an awareness of technical literature in assigned areas.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship
• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Research background in plasma physics or electrodynamics.
• Experience conducting laboratory experiments.
• Experience writing software to develop plasma modeling tools and with data analysis programming language, such as IDL, Python, or MATLAB.
• Ability to develop independent research projects as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as reflected in effective presentations at seminars, and/or meetings.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience developing research proposals.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with plasma diagnostics.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability with two-fluid plasma models or measurements.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability with turbulent plasma relaxation processes.

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?

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

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.

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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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