Laser Postdoctoral Researcher - Advanced Photon Technologies

LLNL • Livermore, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has multiple openings for Laser Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) to participate in the research and development of advanced solid-state laser technology, ultra-fast solid-state lasers, high peak power lasers, high average power lasers, and high energy / high intensity short pulse lasers. This work will take place within the National Ignition Facility & Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate, home to the world’s most energetic laser. APT specializes in developing high repetition rate long- and short-pulsed laser systems, like the High-repetition-rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System, and high repetition rate high energy nanosecond pulsed diode-pumped solid-state lasers for EUV generation and Inertial Fusion Energy, as well as associated innovative component demonstrations. This position is in the High Energy Density & Photon Science (HED & PS) organization in the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) group within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD).

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD degree in laser physics, applied physics, general physics, atomic physics, optics and optoelectronics, or related technical field or discipline.
• Experience designing, building, and/or operating high-energy (> mJ) solid-state lasers.
• Experience with one or more of the following areas: short pulse laser technology, frequency conversion, non-linear optics, fiber lasers, ultrafast lasers, short pulse laser diagnostics, and/or plasma physics.
• Ability to perform as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, and execution.
• Experience developing and proposing independent research projects, including publication of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Effective initiative and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing, building, and/or operating J-class solid-state lasers.
• Experience with laser, pulsed power sources, high density plasma interactions and/or conducting high energy density experiments.
• Experience with optoelectronic device simulation (LaserMOD, LASTIP, PICS3D, Silvaco and/or self-written code) and/or optical system design and analysis using sequential and/or non-sequential raytracing tools (Zemax, Code V, OSLO, FRED, LightTools, or ASAP).
• Experience with electromagnetic field simulation using finite-difference time domain, finite element, finite element thermal simulation (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, and/or self-written code), and/or beam propagation simulation tools (FIMMWave, BeamPROP, etc., and/or self-written code).
• Experience with CAD-based mechanical design (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, etc.) and test equipment control and automation software development (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development in one or more of the following areas: long and short pulse laser experiments including characterization of performance, designing, building, testing, fielding, and commissioning laser systems, components, and laser and optical diagnostics.
• Design, implement, and analyze techniques in long and short pulse laser experiments including characterization of performance and laser and optical diagnostics.
• Organize, analyze, and interpret experimental and simulation data using statistical and computational tools, present findings clearly through detailed reports, visualizations, and presentations to support scientific communication and decision-making.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Conduct independent (complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree