CGSR Post Doctoral Research Fellow - 2025

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 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

$118,068 annually

This position is under a step structure. Please note that the step is determined by your academic level. Transcripts are required.

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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're looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Center for Global Security Research (CGSR). CGSR was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to serve as a bridge between the science & technology experts at the lab and the broader national security policy communities. Given LLNL's mission to support nuclear deterrence, CGSR's core topics are related to nuclear matters, including strategic deterrence, international stability, arms control, and nonproliferation. The Center also conducts work on other topics related to the changing security environment such as emerging and potentially disruptive technologies, energy issues, and biosecurity. The CGSR fellowship would support one of the five main research thrust areas at the Center:

• Major Power Rivalry and Conflict,
• New Regional Challengers and Challenges,
• Toward Deterrence Strategy 3.0,
• Future of Long-Term Competitive Strategies, and
• Future of Cooperative Strategies to Reduce Global Dangers.

Complete descriptions of the CGSR thrust areas and examples of the Center's work can be found athttps://cgsr.llnl.gov/.

The Center works to achieve these objectives by 1) convening seminars with outside speakers to better understand national policy priorities and national and international developments bearing on the lab's missions, 2) providing analysis and expertise to laboratory leadership in support of strategic planning and to national leadership in policy development and implementation, and 3) advancing thinking about contemporary and emerging national security challenges related to strategic conflict through independent research, workshops, and publications. The Center's work is conducted on an entirely unclassified basis and is multidisciplinary and entirely nonpartisan in character.

You will

• Conduct research on politically significant national security topics in line with CGSR research thrust areas.
• Publish papers via CGSR's in-house publication options and/or external outlets such as peer-reviewed journals.
• Communicate and present research findings to different audiences, including the laboratory, U.S. policymakers, officials in allied countries, academia, think tanks, or at workshops and conferences.
• Lead or contribute to the organization and execution of CGSR workshops.
• Respond effectively to the needs of CGSR and other LLNL managers with timely, high quality, finished analyses for presentation or publication.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Political Science, International Relations, the physical or life sciences, engineering, regional or area studies, or a related field.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and writing on one or more of the following subjects: nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, biological & chemical security, and energy security.
• Experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: writing for policymakers, analysis of technical issues in international security, experience in U.S. foreign affairs in the executive or legislative branch, relevant experience in intelligence, academia, or the think tank community.
• Experience effectively conducting independent research, publishing papers (including publication of peer-reviewed literature), and presenting research findings via briefings, lectures, or general presentations.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team environment to achieve results in a timely manner.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Attention to detail, rigorous logic skills, and familiarization with advanced analytic tools and methodologies.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working with technical staff in the physical sciences and engineering.
• Experience writing for U.S. policymakers in the government, think tank, or academic setting.

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 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

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.)

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.

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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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.

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.

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