Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) Graduate Research Associate - Summer 2027

LLNL•Livermore, CA

11d•$6,752 - $8,201•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) brings together experts from science, technology, and policy to address national security challenges. For Summer 2027, CGSR is hiring graduate-level students and recent bachelor’s or master’s degree recipients for a three- to four-month research associate assignment. Associates conduct practical research aligned with CGSR and LLNL priorities, supporting national security strategies and LLNL’s mission areas. Relevant topics include nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, space, biological and chemical security, and energy security. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with in-person and virtual work and the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. Each associate conducts an independent research project on an agreed-upon topic and contributes to ongoing CGSR research, including literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, workshop reports, data gathering, and analysis. Associates participate in research planning and evaluation, attend relevant seminars and workshops, present their work to LLNL staff, and prepare a technical report or publication at the end of the assignment. Applicants must be eligible to access the Laboratory under Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act. No security clearance is required. Assignments exceeding 179 cumulative days in a calendar year require Personal Identity Verification and background-check approval. Selected external applicants must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.

Requirements

Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university and actively pursuing a graduate degree, or have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field aligned with CGSR analytic priorities.
Relevant fields of study include international relations and/or security, political science, economics, public policy, emerging technologies, nonproliferation, energy, biosecurity, foreign language studies, or related fields.
Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement in a relevant field aligned with CGSR analytic priorities.
Strong record of independent research and publication, or a strong proposal for research to be conducted at CGSR and in future academic and professional settings.
Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Conduct an independent research project on an agreed-upon topic aligned with CGSR and LLNL research priorities.
Contribute to ongoing research activities, including literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and workshop summary reports.
Provide analysis for work involving a moderate to high degree of technical and analytic complexity.
Assist in planning and executing workshops supporting CGSR research.
Gather and analyze data and information for broader CGSR research efforts.
Participate in research planning and evaluation discussions with CGSR staff.
Attend relevant research seminars, speaker series, and workshops.
Present research to LLNL staff at the end of the assignment.
Prepare an end-of-assignment technical report or publication.
Perform assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.