We have over 280 postdocs at LLNL and our successful candidates are offered a one- or two-year term with the possibility of being extended up to three years. During their tenure, postdocs are expected to conduct basic or applied research that is publishable in peer-reviewed journals, develop scientific expertise in their field of research, present their research at national and international meetings, and gain experience in the writing research proposals.
In addition to your research projects, LLNL allows you to charge up to 25% of your time to an account that is focused on your professional development as a scientist. For example, you could attend additional lectures, learn more about the Laboratory, finish writing up papers from your graduate work, or learn about new avenues of research.
Within the Laboratory, the postdocs are housed in our program organizations (Computation, Engineering, Physical and Life Sciences, Global Security, Strategic Deterrence, or National Ignition Facility and Photon Science). Successful postdoc have demonstrated: 1) scientific productivity through a robust publication list; 2) academic excellence through a strong grade point average at a reputable university; and 3) collaboration and teamwork through convincing letters of reference.
Salary: $8,000 – $9,600 monthly.
Named Fellowships
The Lab also offers a handful of named postdoctoral fellowships:
The Lawrence Fellowship
offers a couple of positions a year. The Lawrence Fellowship is a highly-competitive postdoctoral position at LLNL that is open to all technical disciplines.
The Fernbach Postdoctoral Fellowship
Awarded to candidates with exceptional talent, scientific track records, and potential for significant achievements in computational mathematics, computer science, data science, and/or scientific computing.
The High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Fellowship
Open to researchers working in all HED-related disciplines.
The Foster and Brown Postdoctoral Fellowships
Within the Strategic Deterrence (SD) organization, these fellowships recognize individuals whose research aligns with the Laboratory’s national security mission.