Optics Materials Research Scientist

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We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory's mission.

Pay Range

$168,780- $214,032 Annually for the SES.3 level

$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a skilled and innovative Research Scientist to pursue the development of materials for optics and laser systems. The ideal candidate will lead research efforts in, characterization and development of advanced materials used in optics for various laser projects including the National Ignition Facility, the world's largest laser. The selected candidate will collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary science and technology team and act as a subject matter expert and project lead in advancing the state of the art in crystals, glass and ceramic materials for high power and energy lasers. This position is in the Materials Science Division of Physics and Life Science Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at eitherlevel based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Characterize crystals, ceramics and amorphous materials mainly used for high power lasers.
• Use your knowledge of glasses, crystals, and/or inorganic chemistry to guide experimental studies of the structural, thermal, and optical properties of these materials as made and as a function of its processing. Some examples are the interaction of such materials with light, and their failure under mechanical stress. There will be a strong focus on processing science (such as bulk manufacturing, grinding, polishing, cleaning, etching, and assembly).
• Develop new and improved processing of optical materials in collaboration with our in-house team and industrial partners.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate materials into laser-system designs
• Work within a process engineering team to support a 7-day/week Optics Production Facility. Define and prepare operating procedures, train technicians, and maintain operational status of production processes and laboratory safety standards.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Write research proposals
• Stay updated on advancements in glass and crystal technologies to drive innovation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant Knowledge of glass science, crystallography, and/or materials characterization techniques (e.g., various forms of microscopy, SEM/EDS, spectroscopy, analytical chemical analysis, and XRD).
• Significant experience in developing new materials, characterization or improving existing ones.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data interpretation and modeling tools.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and experience authoring reports/publications and delivering effective technical presentations.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, technicians and other technical and administrative staff.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 Level

• Expert-level knowledge of glass science, crystallography, and/or materials characterization techniques
• Significant experience at the expert level in the development of principles, theories, concepts, and techniques relevant to material science and inorganic chemistry research.
• Expert experience working in research environments independently and in a team effectively.
• Substantial experience in developing new materials or improving existing ones
• Experience in or knowledge of pilot-plant-scale operations and process development, including requirements, design, safety, construction or modification of process or pilot-scale equipment or systems.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

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