Center for Global Security Research Postdoctoral Researcher

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory • Livermore, CA

49d • $118,068 - $118,068

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Postdoctoral Research Programs provide mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path. We're looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher for the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR). CGSR was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to serve as a bridge between the science & technology experts at the lab and the broader national security policy communities. Given LLNL's mission to support nuclear deterrence, CGSR's core topics are related to nuclear matters, including strategic deterrence, international stability, arms control, and nonproliferation. The Center also conducts work on other topics related to the changing security environment such as regional studies, emerging and potentially disruptive technologies, energy issues, and biosecurity. The five main research thrust areas at the Center are: Major Power Rivalry and Conflict, New Regional Challengers and Challenges, Toward Deterrence Strategy 3.0, Future of Long-Term Competitive Strategies, and Future of Cooperative Strategies to Reduce Global Dangers. Complete descriptions of the CGSR thrust areas and examples of the Center's work can be found at https://cgsr.llnl.gov/. The Center works to achieve these objectives by 1) convening seminars with outside speakers to better understand national policy priorities and national and international developments bearing on the lab's missions, 2) providing analysis and expertise to laboratory leadership in support of strategic planning and to national leadership in policy development and implementation, and 3) advancing thinking about contemporary and emerging national security challenges related to strategic conflict through independent research, workshops, and publications. The Center's work is conducted on an entirely unclassified basis and is multidisciplinary and entirely nonpartisan in character. CGSR Postdoctoral Researchers will spend their time engaged in research and writing and are expected to participate in seminars and workshops and to interact and collaborate with leading scientists and researchers across the lab. They will have the opportunity to conduct research on the scientific and technical aspects of security topics, as well as to work in collaboration with CGSR research staff. The CGSR Postdoctoral Researcher provides an unparalleled opportunity for scholars to explore complex national and international security problems across the five thrust areas and innovative solutions in a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• PhD in Political Science, International Relations, the physical or life sciences, engineering, regional or area studies, or a related field.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and writing on one or more of the following subjects: nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, biological & chemical security, regional studies, and energy security.
• Experience effectively conducting independent research, publishing papers (including publication of peer-reviewed literature), and presenting research findings via briefings, lectures, or general presentations.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team environment to achieve results in a timely manner.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Attention to detail, rigorous logic skills, and familiarization with advanced analytic tools and methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on politically significant national security topics in line with CGSR research thrust areas.
• Meet with your CGSR mentor at least once a month to review and refine your research topic, discuss project progress, and receive general career and intellectual guidance.
• Publish papers in external outlets such as peer-reviewed journals and/or via CGSR's in-house publication options.
• Communicate and present research findings to different audiences, including the laboratory, U.S. policymakers, officials in allied countries, academia, think tanks, or at workshops and conferences.
• Lead or contribute to the organization and execution of CGSR workshops.
• Respond effectively to the needs of CGSR and other LLNL managers with timely, high quality, finished analyses for presentation or publication.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Complete brief quarterly fellowship reports in which you describe your research, writing, and presentation activities during that period.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees