Posted 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
$6,620 - $8,040 Monthly
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
Job Description
We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee (AGA) to perform sample preparation and analysis for cosmochemistry research. Your work will involve initial characterization and preparation of extra-terrestrial samples, digestion and chemical purification of these samples in a clean laboratory setting, assistance with isotopic analysis by mass spectrometry. This opportunity is in the Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences Division (NACS) and will provide the experience to prepare you to successfully pursue advanced graduate studies.
You will
Qualifications
Qualifications we desire
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
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 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
$6,620 - $8,040 Monthly
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
Job Description
We have an opening for an Academic Graduate Appointee (AGA) to perform sample preparation and analysis for cosmochemistry research. Your work will involve initial characterization and preparation of extra-terrestrial samples, digestion and chemical purification of these samples in a clean laboratory setting, assistance with isotopic analysis by mass spectrometry. This opportunity is in the Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures group in the Nuclear and Chemicals Sciences Division (NACS) and will provide the experience to prepare you to successfully pursue advanced graduate studies.
You will
- Conduct sample preparation of extra-terrestrial rock samples, including crushing, sieving, mineral picking, micromanipulation and annealing of micron-sized mineral grains, and assist with characterization of small extraterrestrial samples using microscopy techniques.
- Dissolve extraterrestrial rock samples in a clean room setting using mineral acids and purify samples for analysis using ion chromatography separation methods, and maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notes to ensure quality control of analytical results and to support preparation of reports.
- Gain basic familiarity with high-precision mass spectrometry methods, including laser-ablation methods, and assist with isotopic and trace element analysis.
- Assist in developing and applying statistical algorithms to evaluate data quality and reliability and conduct basic thermodynamic modeling for cooling of planetary bodies under different pressure-temperature conditions.
- Assist in developing computer codes to operate simple electronic equipment, such as electronic stepper motors and microprocessors, for sample preparation.
- Maintain a stock of clean labware and reagents necessary to support sample preparation and analysis, including re-ordering of general lab supplies.
- Present formal and informal overviews of progress to the principal investigator and at cosmochemistry group meetings, and interact with and support Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures group members and the principal investigator on various projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, or a related discipline.
- Experience with micromanipulation and characterization of small samples.
- Experience working in a clean room laboratory setting, as well as with using basic laboratory equipment and wet chemistry techniques including mineral acids.
- Adequate familiarity with electronics to build simple electronic devises to aid with lab work and test circuit boards.
- Understanding of thermodynamics needed to investigate thermal models of planetary cooling.
- Understanding of statistics and basic programming to develop statistical algorithms and approaches for evaluating data reliability.
- Experience with critical data record-keeping and safety procedures in a laboratory environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary to work in a collaborative research environment and to document and present research results
Qualifications we desire
- Familiarity with analytical techniques for geochronology.
- Experience with high-precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a one-year Academic Graduate Appointee, open to those who have been awarded a degree at the time of the employment offer.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2026 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
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 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
