Astronomy & Astrophysics Intern - Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Description

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Postdoctoral Research Program provides 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 have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of astrometry for detecting and characterizing the galactic population of stellar remnants with NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman). You will conduct research in this area and assist in the construction of an astrometric detection and characterization pipeline. This position is in the Astronomy Astrophysics & Analytics Group, in the Physics Division.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Develop algorithms and methods to find accelerating stars in Roman’s survey data.
• Develop and fit population models to infer mass, velocity, and spatial distributions of stellar remnants in the galaxy.
• Contribute to other astrometry related tasks and efforts.
• Document and publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Collaborate with other scientists and technical personnel to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  See Additional Information section below for details. <use as first bullet point if not clearance is required>
• PhD in physics or astronomy with emphasis on astrometry, microlensing, or related fields.
• Experience working on a research team with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds, as well as function as an independent researcher with a high level of attention to details.
• Proficient with Python and the use of high-performance computer platforms for large parallel simulation and processing tasks.
• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of research to address defined problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to work in a multidisciplinary team environment, author technical and scientific reports and publications, and deliver scientific presentations.
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature and technical reports.

Qualifications we desire

• Experience with developing processing pipelines for large astronomical surveys.
• Experience with numerical inference methods and stellar population and remnant synthesis libraries.

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

Additional Information

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years. The postdoctoral appointment is a temporary, mentored training position intended for individuals in the early stages of their postdoctoral research careers. Consistent with the structure of the program, applicants must have received their Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) within five years of the anticipated start 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.

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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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