Ab Initio Nuclear Theory Postdoctoral Researcher

We have an opening for an Ab Initio Nuclear Theory - Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in ab initio nuclear structure and reaction theory.  You will participate in innovative research utilizing state of the art many-body approaches high-performance computing and modern statistics methods to accurately describe the structure of exotic nuclei and low-energy reactions that take place during the Big Bang and other astrophysical settings. You will receive regular technical and soft skill training and benefit from committed and active mentoring both at the personal and institutional level. This position is in the Nuclear Data and Theory group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division a diverse group that collaborates extensively to provide state-of-the-art theoretical predictions and validated nuclear data.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Conduct innovative research in ab initio theory and/or simulation of light-nuclei structural and reaction properties and their impact to astrophysical processes.
• Combine ab initio approaches high-performance computing capabilities and modern statistical methods to deliver accurate predictions of nuclear observables with quantified uncertainties.
• Design and carry out numerical simulations on supercomputers at LLNL and other national laboratories.
• Engage in collaborations between the Nuclear Data and Theory group internal (LLNL) and external collaborators.
• Pursue complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Present research results at scientific conferences and meetings and in peer reviewed publications.
• Contribute to proposal submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics or related field.
• Experience in theoretical methods applied to nuclear structure reactions or astrophysical simulations.
• Experience developing computer codes for the solution of physics problems.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to tackle scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports and publications and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature with experience presenting research results to a large audience.
• Experience with few- or many-body methods applied to atomic nuclei.
• Familiarity with statistical methods and/or machine learning applied to uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with any of C C Fortran Python or equivalent computer programming languages parallel programming and general interest in developing large-scale HPC solutions to physical problems leveraging advanced architectures.

Pay Range

$123048 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 employees 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.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start 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

  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.  

  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.

  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.

  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