High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Postdoctoral Fellow

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful research advancing science and technology in national security. Our mission spans nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense, fostering innovation and operational excellence.

About the role

The High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to attract top talent to LLNL and support fellows’ careers as future leaders in HEDS. Fellows conduct independent research in areas such as inertial confinement fusion, lasers and optics, high pressure science, opacity, charged particle transport, astrophysics, nuclear physics, and matter in extreme conditions. The fellowship provides access to LLNL’s computing facilities, specialized laboratories, and field equipment, fostering collaboration with global experts. The HEDS Center strengthens research collaborations between LLNL and the academic community while recruiting scientists to LLNL’s HEDS programs.

More details about the HEDS Center can be found at https://heds-center.llnl.gov.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and/or development in one or more of the following areas: plasma physics, astrophysics, hydrodynamics, nuclear physics, high pressure science, warm dense matter and hot dense matter physics, strongly coupled Coulomb systems, lasers, laser-driven dynamic compression, matter at extreme conditions, interiors of planets and exoplanets, giant impacts, or related fields.
• Organize, analyze, and present data from research.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with exceptional scientists both internal and external 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.

Requirements

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• Endorsement from a prospective mentor, who must be a permanent research staff member at LLNL.
• PhD in a field relevant to high energy density science, including nuclear physics, plasma physics, hydrodynamics, astrophysics, lasers, warm dense matter, hot dense matter, strongly coupled Coulomb systems, high-pressure science, laser-driven dynamic compression, matter at extreme conditions, interiors of planets and exoplanets, or giant impacts.
• Creativity, exceptional ability, and proven accomplishments in your area of specialization, demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature, awards, or other accomplishments.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and execute research aligned with current or emerging LLNL high energy density science mission needs and strategic growth areas.
• Demonstrated potential for sustained technical contribution in research areas of current or emerging strategic importance to LLNL in high energy density science.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information, as demonstrated through publication of peer-reviewed literature, presentations, and the interview.

Pay

$151,092 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. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Schedule

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 the time of hire. Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence, with flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

Benefits

• 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).

Learn more about our values at https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values.