CASC Postdoctoral Research Staff Member

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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 dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$138,480 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 several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member to perform research and development of finite element (FEM) discretizations and automatic differentiation (AD) algorithms in support of LLNL multiphysics high-performance computing (HPC) applications based on the MFEM finite element library. Of particular interest are applications involving high-order Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) radiation-hydrodynamics as well as structural mechanics with contact running on large GPU system like LLNL’s El Capitan. This position will be part of the MFEM team in the Numerical Analysis & Simulations Group of the Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC) Division within LLNL’s Computing Directorate.

You will

• Collaborate with a broad spectrum of scientists at LLNL on a joint research effort to enable differentiable simulations in large-scale multi-physics simulation codes.
• Research new algorithms for efficient and scalable high-order finite element meshing, discretizations and solvers in the context of differentiable multi-physics HPC applications.
• Implement and test the new methods in the MFEM finite element library, targeting flexible user interface, applicability to variety of applications, and parallel GPU scalability.
• Work with LLNL application teams to incorporate, evaluate and improve the performance of the new differentiable algorithms in specific applications.
• Document complex research and development progress via technical reports, journal publications, and conference presentations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science or a related field.
• Knowledge of finite element methods for PDE discretizations on unstructured meshes.
• Experience in developing complex C++ software in a Linux environment.
• Ability to perform independent research projects as demonstrated through publications of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports and papers and deliver scientific presentations.
• Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of high-order finite element methods and familiarity with the MFEM library.
• Knowledge of automatic differentiation techniques and tools like Enzyme.
• Experience with ALE radiation-hydrodynamics algorithms or similar physics.
• Experience in developing large-scale parallel scientific software with MPI.
• Experience with GPU programming with CUDA or HIP.

#LI-Hybrid

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?

• Included in 2025 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

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.

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

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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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