Inertial Confinement Fusion Physicist

We have multiple openings for Inertial Confinement Fusion Physicists to become part of the team working on the grand challenge of achieving thermonuclear ignition on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). This research requires working closely with individuals from other disciplines, such as laser experimentalists, laser scientists, target fabrication specialists and NIF Project scientists and engineers, as well as other target designers and theorists. These positions are in the Design Physics Division within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options, may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization.

These positions will be filled at either level 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.

In this role, you will

• Plan, analyze and interpret NIF laser experiments in support of the effort to achieve ignition on NIF principally with large computer codes, but also with analytic modeling.
• Perform computational and theoretical analyses that extrapolate our current understanding of ignition related physics to NIF and beyond.
• Successfully work as part of an interdisciplinary team on ICF project activities.
• Present research results in scientific meetings, peer reviews, and publications. Responsibilities may also include interacting with external stakeholders, both at NNSA and across the broader interagency, via offsite assignments.
• Promote and support plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional responsibilities at the SES.3 Level

• Independently develop and/or provide in depth analysis of NIF laser experiments in support of the effort to achieve ignition on NIF principally with large computer codes, but also with analytic modeling where complex problems may not be well defined.
• Work as technical expert on a multidisciplinary team.