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 important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range
$106,200 - $132,480 annually

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 Postdoctoral Researcher to perform research and development of finite element (FEM) discretizations and automatic differentiation (AD) algorithms in support of high-performance computing (HPC) applications based on LLNL’s MFEM finite element library. Of particular interest are Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications with fluid-structure interaction (FSI) and general multi-physics coupling. This position will be part of the MFEM team in the Numerical Analysis & Simulations Group of the Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC) Division within LLNL’s Computing Directorate.

In this position you will

• Research new algorithms for efficient high-order finite element meshing, discretizations and solvers in the context of differentiable simulations for multi-physics HPC applications.
• Implement and test the new methods in the MFEM finite element library, targeting flexible user interface and applicability to variety of applications and multi-physics coupling.
• Incorporate, evaluate and improve the performance of the new algorithms in specific applications, such as fluid-structure interaction coupling between CFD and solid mechanics simulations.
• Document complex research and development progress via technical reports, journal publications, and conference presentations.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to define and carry out the research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science or a related field.
• Knowledge of finite element methods for PDE discretizations on unstructured meshes.
• Experience in developing complex C++ software in a Linux environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research projects as demonstrated through publications of peer-reviewed literature.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports and papers and deliver scientific presentations.
• Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of high-order finite element methods and familiarity with the MFEM library.
• Knowledge of automatic differentiation techniques and tools like Enzyme.
• Experience with CFD, FSI or multi-physics coupling algorithms at large scale.
• Experience in developing large-scale parallel scientific software with MPI.
• Experience with GPU programming with CUDA, HIP or SYCL.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values 
• Employee engagement - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/employee-engagement

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

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 use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

We invite you to review the Equal Employment Opportunity posters which include EEO is the Law and Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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.