We have an opening for an experienced Laser Physicist to independently guide laser technology-related research and development efforts and provide technical direction to interdisciplinary teams that will perform design, analysis, modeling, construction, and testing and commissioning of state-of-the-art high energy, high peak power, and high average power laser systems for DOE missions and applications. These positions are in the Advanced Photon Technologies (APT) group in the High Energy Density and Photon Systems (HED&PS) Program in the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Principal Associate Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

• Lead efforts and strategies for interdisciplinary teams that research, design, develop, integrate, and field or enhance performance of advanced, high-energy laser systems, high peak power lasers and high average power laser technologies.
• Guide systems design and apply system-level engineering principles to a wide variety of advanced laser design and analysis projects using novel approaches to develop operational, system, and subsystem solutions.
• Lead integrated experiments in the fields of nonlinear optics, long & short pulse, high power and high energy laser physics.
• Develop complex theoretical and numerical system models needed to corroborate or anticipate experimental results that test advanced, coupled physics and modeling capability in collaboration with laboratory scientists and engineers.
• Provide recommendations to leadership and technical team regarding project vision and strategy independently, under minimal supervision, and influence technical direction for yourself and others, while providing technical and intellectual leadership on research and development projects.
• Prepare and provide technical presentations and publications for internal and external audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.4 level:

• Utilize highly advanced knowledge and expertise to propose and then guide and oversee research, design, and enhancement or development of state-of-the-art laser technologies or systems, including elements that are frequently not well defined and often involve uncertain factors.
• Apply subject matter expertise and leadership in Joule-class to multi-hundred Joule-class shaped nanosecond (long pulse), CPA, OPCPA, and frequency conversion systems that account for polarization, thermal, and/or birefringence effects, nonlinear optical effects, and other linear or nonlinear effects that may degrade the final output.
• Design and lead teams to perform highly complex / intricate / integrated laser performance experiments, perform analysis of these extensive, highly intricate, and/or integrated laser performance experiments, and effectively communicate findings to both broad technical audiences and other Subject Matter Experts.