Materials Physics - Academic Graduate Appointee

We have an opening for a Materials Physics Academic Graduate Appointee to help develop systems to induce high dynamic pressures and improve the models used in hydrocode simulations.  This position is in the Equation of State – Capability Development and Applications Group in the Physics Division.

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

You will

• Work as a member of multidisciplinary teams, designing and interpreting experiments involving dynamic compression of matter to high pressures;
• Perform hydrocode simulations of the experiments and their applications;
• Contribute to the development of improved models used in the simulations, including of the equation of state and strength of component materials, shock-induced exothermic reactions, and the transport and deposition of laser energy;
• Analyze results and prepare technical reports and presentations as appropriate;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry, engineering or similar numerate subject.
• Experience in performing multidimensional hydrocode simulations of impacts, detonation, and laser heating/ablation to be able to work effectively with infrequent supervision.
• Knowledge of fluid mechanics, continuum mechanics, shock physics, and thermodynamics.
• Knowledge of materials science and the properties of crystalline materials at elevated pressure, e.g. phase transitions.
• Practical knowledge of numerical methods for solving the hydrodynamic equations for applications involving shocks and their reflections, sufficient to be able to avoid common pitfalls.
• Experience participating in experimental science, interacting with experimental teams, and contributing to the preparation of manuscripts and proposals.
• Computer literacy, including office applications, data processing/programming, and preparation of graphs and technical materials.

Qualifications We Desire

• Knowledge of hydrodynamics, shock physics, reactive flow, and radiation transport.
• Knowledge of quantum mechanics and its application to the electronic structure of matter.
• Knowledge or experience relevant to drives and diagnostics for dynamic loading systems, e.g. HE detonation, radiation transport, high-power pulsed laser systems, x-ray diffraction, laser interferometry, radiography.
• Knowledge or experience of design engineering, i.e. optimizing a system to achieve a desired performance.
• Experience of a programming language such as Python.
• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

#LI-Hybrid

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.

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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.

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.

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. 

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