Radiochemistry - Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to play a major role in development of novel radiochemical separations, microfluidic techniques and detection for superheavy element experiments.  The position will also include collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Heavy Element group for on-line experiments at the 88-inch cyclotron. The candidate will apply novel radiochemistry separations to microfluidic systems aimed at studying the chemical properties of copernicium atom-at-a-time.  This position is in the Nuclear and Radiochemistry group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

Depending on your assignment, this position may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

You will

• Develop microfluidic systems to automate and perform radiochemical separations on ultra-trace levels of radionuclides towards the aim of atom-at-a-time chemistry on-line at an accelerator.
• Perform radioanalytical sample processing and data analysis to interpret results.
• Work with LBNL and LLNL scientists to integrate microfluidic separations with on-line detection systems and the accelerator facility.
• Prepare and conduct technical presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Document research, publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, and present results within the DOE community and at conferences.
• 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 Nuclear Chemistry, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and associated software controls and designing, assembling, and running nuclear science experiments based on radiochemical or nuclear chemistry methods.
• Experience with charged-particle and gamma-ray detectors and radiation counting and their associated data analyses.
• Experience with microfluidic systems or similar separation/chromatography systems, such as LC and HPLC.
• Ability to safely work with radioactive materials (> 100 microCurie).
• Ability to develop experimental methods, separation techniques, and analysis approaches needed to collect and isolate radioactive isotopes produced at accelerator facilities.
• Experience with radionuclide separation methods, such as solvent extraction and ion exchange.

Qualifications We Desire

• Inorganic or organic synthesis experience especially in the design of new molecules or ligands.
• Experience running chemistry or physics experiments at accelerator facilities.

Pay Range

$123,048 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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 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.  

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

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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.

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