Group Leader - Astronomy & Astrophysics Analytics

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

$218,700 -$332,772 Annually

$218,700 - $277,344Annually for the SEL.4 level

$262,410 - $332,772 Annually for the SEL.5 level

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.

We have an opening for a Group Leader to provide scientific and administrative leadership for the Astronomy & Astrophysics Analytics group. You will be expected to have funding to cover your effort costs. You will coordinate Astronomy & Astrophysics Analytics group staffing, recruitment, research thrusts and resources to carry out fundamental and applied research in areas related to data analytics and instrumentation, primarily in the context of astronomy, astrophysics, and national security. This position is in the Physics 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.

This position will be filled at either the SEL.4 or SEL.5 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.

You will

• Provide leadership and technical guidance, including scientific and programmatic direction, to a diverse team of personnel.
• Collaborate with Physics and programmatic management to ensure staffing needs are met and group members are available to fulfill assignments and needs.
• Develop and maintain a close interaction with program managers and other sponsors to ensure effective scientific support and teamwork.
• Lead efforts conducting independent research and developing novel modeling, analytics, and instrumentation approaches.
• Develop new scientific programs and research proposals for Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) and external sponsors and funding agencies.
• Foster interactions that advance strategic goals with colleagues and institutions in both domestic and international astronomy and astrophysics communities, such as academia, industry and government institutions.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert and primary point of contact for communications between group members and senior management.
• Mentor technical staff to promote professional development, conduct staff and performance management activities in collaboration with Physics Division Management, including succession planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SEL.5 level

• Participate on national and international committees related to astronomy, astrophysics, and LLNL research interests, for example, committees authoring panel reports solicited by DOE for purposes of strategic planning, federal advisory committees, program committees for conferences.
• Interact with senior program management both internal and external to the Laboratory to realize both LLNL and DOE goals for astronomy and related mission areas.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information access which requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation.
• PhD in physics or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience and subject matter expertise in astrophysics, with emphasis in areas such as data science or instrumentation.
• Expert leadership skills and experience supervising others in a technical environment.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills, specifically the ability to explain and present highly complex ideas, as well as to influence employees and all levels of management.
• Expert experience in developing new scientific programs and research proposals for LDRD and external funding.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate effectively and to lead, motivate, and build highly complex interdisciplinary teams to work towards programmatic and institutional goals.
• Expert experience working effectively as part of a management team

Additional qualifications at the SEL.5 level

• Nationally recognized expert in one or more areas of space science, data analytics, and instrumentation, with applications relevant to national security interests.
• Expert level communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to effectively present, explain, influence, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.
• Extensive experience guiding and providing strategic direction for projects.

Qualifications We Desire

• In depth knowledge of one or more program government sponsors.
• Familiarity with Physics Division personnel and projects.
• Knowledge of Laboratory management and structure, including supervision, budget, policies, and processes.
• Significant experience and subject matter expertise in data science, numerical simulations, Bayesian statistical modeling, application of AI/ML capabilities, image analysis, instrumentation, optical modeling, and high-performance computing.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.If you are selected, we willinitiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

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 useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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