Today
DoE Q or L
Unspecified
Unspecified
Livermore, CA (On-Site/Office)
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 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 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.
Job Description
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Postdoctoral Research Programs provide mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path.
We're looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher 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 regional studies, emerging and potentially disruptive technologies, energy issues, and biosecurity. The five main research thrust areas at the Center are:
Complete descriptions of the CGSR thrust areas and examples of the Center's work can be found at https://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.
CGSR Postdoctoral Researchers will spend their time engaged in research and writing and are expected to participate in seminars and workshops and to interact and collaborate with leading scientists and researchers across the lab. They will have the opportunity to conduct research on the scientific and technical aspects of security topics, as well as to work in collaboration with CGSR research staff. The CGSR Postdoctoral Researcher provides an unparalleled opportunity for scholars to explore complex national and international security problems across the five thrust areas and innovative solutions in a collaborative research environment.
Application Details
All application updates and attachments should be submitted by January 17, 2026.
Selected applicants are expected to start no later than September 1, 2026
You will
Qualifications
Additional Information
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?
Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet 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 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.
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 .
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 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.
Job Description
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Postdoctoral Research Programs provide mentored training to enhance professional skills and research independence for individuals who have recently earned their doctoral degree and are pursuing their chosen career path.
We're looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher 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 regional studies, emerging and potentially disruptive technologies, energy issues, and biosecurity. The five main research thrust areas at the Center are:
- 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 at https://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.
CGSR Postdoctoral Researchers will spend their time engaged in research and writing and are expected to participate in seminars and workshops and to interact and collaborate with leading scientists and researchers across the lab. They will have the opportunity to conduct research on the scientific and technical aspects of security topics, as well as to work in collaboration with CGSR research staff. The CGSR Postdoctoral Researcher provides an unparalleled opportunity for scholars to explore complex national and international security problems across the five thrust areas and innovative solutions in a collaborative research environment.
Application Details
- Research abstract (200 words max)
- Research project prospectus or description of dissertation (1,500 words max, not including footnotes/endnotes)
- Writing sample (50 pages max)
- Three references (will be contacted if short-listed).
All application updates and attachments should be submitted by January 17, 2026.
Selected applicants are expected to start no later than September 1, 2026
You will
- Conduct research on politically significant national security topics in line with CGSR research thrust areas.
- Meet with your CGSR mentor at least once a month to review and refine your research topic, discuss project progress, and receive general career and intellectual guidance.
- Publish papers in external outlets such as peer-reviewed journals and/or via CGSR's in-house publication options.
- 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.
- Complete brief quarterly fellowship reports in which you describe your research, writing, and presentation activities during that period.
Qualifications
- 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, regional studies, and energy security.
- 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.
Additional Information
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!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet 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 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.
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 .
group id: LLNL
