Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Scientist

Livermore, CA, USA
Full-time
Job Code 1: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
Organization: Physical and Life Sciences
Category: Physical Life Sciences
Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicable
Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Position Type: Career Indefinite
Referral Bonus: Not applicable

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is essential to innovation and creativity for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Job Description

We have an opening for an Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Scientist with expertise in numerical or computational physics, astrophysics, or astronomy. The research will span topics in astronomical survey analysis, computational and statistical modeling and simulation, data processing workflows, machine learning, and national security applications. This position is in the Physics Division/Applied Physics Section in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Analytics Group.

In this role you will 

• Conduct astronomical data analysis, scientific data modeling, and data science research.
• Develop statistical Bayesian models, machine learning methods, and numerical and signal processing algorithms.
• Carry out Monte Carlo computations, apply uncertainty quantification to computational physics modeling. 

• Carry out orbital mechanics and astrophysical computations. 

• Conduct High Performance and distributed computing. 


• Apply research results to specific science and national security missions.
• Conduct self-initiated research, maintain an awareness of technical literature in assigned areas, 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in physics, astronomy, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Research background in one or more of the following areas: developing statistical Bayesian models, machine learning methods, numerical and signal processing algorithms, carrying out Monte Carlo computations and applying uncertainty quantification to computational physics modeling, carrying out orbital mechanics and astrophysical computation, or conducting high performance and distributed computing.
• Significant experience in astronomy data analysis and/or physical modeling.
• Ability to perform independent research, find innovative solutions and produce significant accomplishments to complex scientific and technical problems.
• Significant experience working on a research team with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as function as an independent researcher with a high level of attention to details.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications and deliver scientific presentations.
• Advanced experience presenting research results to a large audience and/or publication record in peer-reviewed literature.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in software development including modern code best practices, version control, test-driven development, data pipeline infrastructure.
• Expertise in software development with Python, Julia, C++, R, or Fortran.
• Experience mentoring students on technical projects.

Additional Information

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2021 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor
• Work for a premier innovative national Laboratory
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Collaborative, creative, inclusive, and fun team environment

Learn more about our company, selection process, position types and security clearances by visiting our Career site. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate

LLNL demonstrates its commitment to public safety by requiring that all new Laboratory employees be immunized against COVID-19 unless granted an accommodation under applicable state or federal law. This requirement will apply to all new hires including those who will be working on site, as well as those who will be teleworking.

Security Clearance

LLNL is a Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Laboratory.  Some positions will require a DOE L or Q clearance (please reference Security Clearance requirement above).  If you are selected and a clearance is required, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  An L or Q clearance requires U.S. citizenship.  For additional information please see DOE Order 472.2.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position will be required to 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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

LLNL is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer that values and hires a diverse workforce. 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.

LLNS is committed to offering reasonable accommodations during the application and recruiting processes due to a disability.  If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please submit a request via our online form. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.