Irradiation and Characterization of Fusion Materials - Postdoctoral Researcher

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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.

The Materials Science Division (MSD) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the development of novel complex metal alloys for structural applications (e.g., first wall) in fusion reactors. The successful candidate will focus on light and heavy ion irradiation experiments to investigate fundamental radiation damage mechanisms and their impact on microstructural evolution and resulting properties, with the goal of supporting the design of new advanced alloys with improved survivability under fusion-relevant conditions.

This position is based in the Actinide and Lanthanides Science group and will involve close collaboration with the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS) for irradiation studies.

In this role you will 

• Design and execute ion irradiation experiments (light and heavy ions) on refractory metals and alloys at the CAMS.
• Develop and characterize novel alloy systems with improved radiation tolerance and mechanical properties.
• Employ advanced characterization techniques (e.g., TEM, SEM, APT, XRD, nanoindentation) to assess microstructural changes, defect evolution, and mechanical response post-irradiation.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results in the context of fusion reactor environments, and contribute to the understanding of irradiation effects in candidate materials.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across LLNL and external partners, integrating experimental findings with modeling and simulation efforts as appropriate.
• Prepare technical reports and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Maintain rigorous safety and compliance standards in all laboratory activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in radiation damage experiments, ideally including light and heavy ions as well as neutron.
• Strong background in advanced materials characterization, particularly microscopy and microanalysis of irradiated materials.
• Experience in alloy design, synthesis, and processing of refractory metals.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills as reflected in effective presentations at meetings and a demonstrated strong publication record.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with first wall materials requirements for fusion energy applications.
• Experience with tungsten-based and/or vanadium-based alloys.

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)
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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.

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