Machine Learning and Computer Vision Postdoctoral Researcher

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

$117,900 - $135,060 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  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.

Job Description

We have an opening for a highly qualified and motivated Machine Learning and Computer Vision Postdoctoral Researcher to join us in developing advanced algorithms and techniques to identify and track defects in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser optics. Opportunities for specific areas that could be presented in research papers include, but are not limited to, novel optical metrology analysis algorithms, automated decision making, and mixed-integer programming. You will work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to create innovative solutions that improve the performance and longevity of our optics systems. This position is in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

You will

• Research, design, and develop machine learning and computer vision algorithms to identify and track defects in NIF laser optics.
• Create novel techniques for analyzing damage to optics caused by high-powered laser systems.
• Develop frameworks for automating defect detection, classification, and tracking across a wide variety of optical materials and geometries.
• Apply advanced computational tools and techniques to optimize defect identification and prediction processes.
• Conduct uncertainty analyses to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of defect detection systems.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers and scientists to integrate machine learning systems into existing workflows and optical systems.
• Perform life cycle assessments to evaluate the impact of defect detection and tracking on system performance and longevity.
• Pursue independent research that complements team objectives and contributes to the advancement of machine learning and computer vision technologies, and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at conferences, seminars, and meetings.
• Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field sites.
• 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.
• PhD in computer science, engineering, or a related field (e.g., electrical engineering, applied physics, or mathematics) with a focus on machine learning, computer vision, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience in one or more key areas: machine learning, computer vision, algorithm development, data analysis, and computational modeling.
• Ability to perform independent research and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake original research and communicate findings in peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and project managers to develop and apply advanced computational capabilities.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Ability to travel.

Qualifications We Desire

• Hands-on experience with optical systems or laser technologies.
• Experience with large-scale data processing and analysis, particularly in imaging or defect detection.
• Knowledge of deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and computer vision libraries (e.g., OpenCV).
• Familiarity with uncertainty quantification and predictive modeling techniques.
• Experience in technology commercialization or transitioning research into practical applications.
• Knowledge of optics damage mechanisms, materials science, or related fields.

Additional Information

#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 2025 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.