Ab Initio Nuclear Theory - Postdoctoral Researcher

LLNL • Livermore, CA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research in ab initio nuclear structure and reaction theory. The researcher will use many-body approaches, high-performance computing, and modern statistical methods to describe the structure of exotic nuclei and low-energy reactions relevant to the Big Bang and other astrophysical settings. The position is in the Nuclear Data and Theory group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, which collaborates to produce theoretical predictions and validated nuclear data. The role requires full-time on-site presence. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position, with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within five years of the anticipated start date. The researcher will receive regular technical and soft-skill training and active mentoring.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics or a related field.
• Experience in theoretical methods applied to nuclear structure, reactions, or astrophysical simulations.
• Experience developing computer codes for solving physics problems.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills for authoring technical and scientific reports and publications and delivering scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills, with the desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must have received a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within five years of the anticipated start date.
• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with NDAA Section 3112.

Nice To Haves

• Documented peer-reviewed publication record and 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 C++, C, Fortran, Python, or equivalent programming languages; parallel programming; and interest in developing large-scale HPC solutions using advanced architectures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in ab initio theory and/or simulation of light-nuclei structural and reaction properties and their impact on 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.
• Collaborate with the Nuclear Data and Theory group and internal and external collaborators.
• Pursue complementary research interests and interact with scientists within and outside the Laboratory.
• Present research results at scientific conferences and meetings and in peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to proposal submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)
• Regular technical and soft-skill training and active mentoring

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree