We have an opening for an Experimental Physicist to independently execute experiments and/or to develop instrumentation in support of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and OMEGA laser-matter research. You will plan, design, execute and oversee experiments in the fields of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, material strength and nuclear physics. These positions are in the High Energy Density (HED) Scientific & Technology (S&T) Program within the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Principal Associate Directorate (PAD).
This position will be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level, depending on your qualifications. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if you are selected at the higher level.
Essential Duties
- Plan, design, execute and analyze complex laser and x-ray driven physics experiments on existing Laser Facilities (NIF and Omega).
- Develop nuclear, x-ray or optical diagnostics as needed, utilizing advanced knowledge.
- Craft complex analytical models and use them to independently interpret experimental results.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team in the development of innovative methods to support the NIF and Omega projects.
- Author scientific reports and provide oral presentations for internal and external LLNL scientists.
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals, and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
- Perform other duties are assigned.
In Addition at the SES.4 Level
- Establish objectives for, and oversee experiments in, the fields of highly complex laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, and material strength or nuclear physics.
- Serve as subject matter expert in identified areas, using highly advanced knowledge and interacting with mid-level and senior management, while leading working groups.
- Provide direction to junior scientists and technical personnel.
Qualifications
- PhD in plasma physics, hydrodynamics, shock physics, spectroscopy, nuclear physics, condensed matter or related field or discipline, or equivalent combination of education and previous relevant experience.
- Significant scientific knowledge and experience independently designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments in the areas of laser-plasma interactions, hydrodynamics, radiation transport, implosion physics, material strength or nuclear physics.
- Significant knowledge and experience developing complex diagnostics, image processing, and data analysis.
- Advanced analytical skills necessary to solve complex problems and make decisions.
- Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, author technical and scientific reports, publications, and invited papers, and provide advice to management.
- Experience working independently, as well as in a team, with minimal direction in a driven environment.
In Addition at the SES.4 Level
- Expert knowledge and substantial experience designing, executing, and analyzing highly complex experiments in laser and x-ray driven physics.
- Expert knowledge and substantial experience developing new ideas or modifying approaches.
- Experience overseeing the experimental activates of junior scientists and technical personnel.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience designing, executing, and analyzing experiments in the field of plasma and atomic physics with knowledge of plasma characterization techniques and instrumentation.
- Experience with x-ray sources, time-resolved optical and x-ray photon detection techniques, CCDs, imaging and spectroscopy.
- Experience with spectrum and image analysis using numerical processing.
