Energetic Materials Process Development & Analysis - 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 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

$118,884 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 Researcher to conduct research in advanced manufacturing methods for energetic materials (explosives, pyrotechnics, propellants) and process improvement for formulation of materials supporting those efforts. You will actively participate in research on the process, structure, property, and performance mapping of energetic materials by developing a suite of in situ diagnostics and data analysis techniques that will enable a method to provide real-time quality control of formulated materials. This position is in the Aging, Compatibility, and Manufacturing of Energetics (ACME) group within the Energetic Materials & Design (EMD) section of the Materials Science Division, supporting the Energetic Materials Center (EMC).

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Conduct research in energetic materials formulation and process development to improve understanding between the manufacturing process, materials structure, mechanical properties, and detonation performance.
• Develop in situ diagnostics for energetic materials formulation and perform analysis to predict resultant materials properties and improve processes.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Pursue independent but complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with scientists in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Maintain and establish laboratory procedures.
• Document research; publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry or a related field.
• Experience in energetic materials process development, materials formulation, diagnostics development, and computational data analysis.
• Knowledgeable of the concepts of mechanical/rheological characterization.
• Ability as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques and execution.
• Ability to develop independent research projects through publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as reflected in effective presentations at seminars, meetings and/or teaching lectures.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with energetic materials formulation, processing, and testing.
• Experience in computational tools for data analysis (e.g. Matlab, Python).
• Knowledge in advanced manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing, resonant acoustic mixing, and planetary centrifugal mixing.

#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

Site 300

Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL.  Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis).

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.

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.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

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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