Nuclear & Chemical
Sciences
On the frontier of nuclear physics, particle physics, and chemistry


Nuclear Detection Technology—We are deeply involved in developing new detection systems to reduce nuclear threats. Our scientists also study the Solar System, neutrinos, and newly discovered particles while searching for the missing matter in the universe.


Physics at the Frontiers—To further our understanding of the most fundamental constituents of nature and their interactions, our researchers pursue compelling scientific problems through collaborations on key NNSA and Office of Science projects.


Structure and Reactions of Nuclei—Our vision for research in low-energy nuclear physics will push the frontiers of understanding by weaving together our capabilities in theory and experiment to fully capitalize on our nation’s investments in FRIB and high-performance computing.


Analytical and Forensic Science—Our scientists advance forensic science related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats by developing innovative extraction materials, analytical techniques, and assay methodologies.


Radiochemistry—Our research in radiochemistry explores nuclear reactions, the limits of nuclear stability, and the properties of the heaviest elements.
LLNL’s Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division (NACS) offers deep expertise in physics and chemistry, allowing the advancement of scientific understanding, capabilities, and technologies in nuclear and particle physics, radiochemistry, forensic science, and isotopic signatures.
Every day, we focus on fundamental science, such as developing cutting-edge tools to uncover new chemical signatures or studying plasma effects on nuclear reactions. Combined with our experience conducting programmatic work in nuclear and chemical science, we provide innovative solutions for a range of national security problems.
Our world-class capabilities in radiation detection, chemical and nuclear forensic science, isotope geochemistry, and environmental radiochemistry also contribute to scientific advancements that help make the world safer.
We explore the chemistry of heavy elements (and discover new ones), chase elusive new particles, and answer important scientific questions about dark matter, neutrino physics, nuclear structure, nucleosynthesis, and the origins of the universe.
In addition to our technical mission, we actively build our expertise by collaborating with the scientific community, organizing summer schools, working closely with the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute, and hiring postdocs.
Explore this page to learn more about the people, research, and resources that support our mission.
Learn more about nuclear and chemical sciences research at LLNL
People
Research Areas
- Cosmochemical and Isotopic Signatures
- Environmental Isotope Systems
- Forensic Sciences & Assessments
- MicroAnalytical Signatures
- NACS Capability Groups
- Nuclear Data & Theory
- Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Technologies
- Nuclear & Radiochemistry
- Nuclear Security Physics
- Particle Physics
- Rare Event Detection
- Safeguards, Nonproliferation, & Response
- Trace Isotope and Element Signatures

Cosmochemical & Isotopic Signatures
Group Leader: Amy Gaffney
Our researchers investigate the origin, history, and formation processes of nuclear, geological, and extraterrestrial materials using high precision isotopic analyses.
A core focus for our group is the use of isotopic and radiochronometry signatures of nuclear materials and environmental samples to evaluate the provenance and production history for nuclear forensics, nuclear safeguards, and nuclear non-proliferation. Our research in these areas involves developing new analysis approaches for high resolution isotopic measurements of actinides and stable metals, as well as new signatures for a range of nuclear material types. We also develop unique reference materials that support metrologically traceable actinide and radiochronometry measurements and research novel approaches for trace actinide analysis of environmental sample matrices.
With our dynamic research program in cosmochemistry, we use the chronology, geochemistry, and isotopic composition of samples from the Moon, Mars, and asteroids to answer questions that are fundamental to understanding our origin, including the early evolution of the Solar System and how and when planetary bodies such as the Earth, Moon, and Mars formed. Our current projects involve the study of lunar samples that were collected during the Apollo missions and analysis of material recently returned by missions to the Ryugu and Bennu asteroids.

Environmental Isotope Systems
Group leader: Enrica Balboni
The Environmental Isotope Systems (EIS) group conducts cutting-edge research in environmental sciences, earth sciences, biogeochemistry, and environmental radiochemistry. Our work addresses critical challenges in climate, water security, and energy security, which are central to the Department of Energy (DOE) mission and national security.
A key focus of our group is the application of stable, cosmogenic, and anthropogenic isotope systems to trace biogeochemical processes, microbial metabolism, water dynamics, and contaminants in the environment.
Our areas of research include:
- The role of microbial and viral communities in the terrestrial carbon cycle and negative carbon dioxide emissions
- Identifying how microbiomes shape productivity of bioenergy-relevant plant and algal crops
- Tracing groundwater to predict climate change impacts on water resources
- Applying stable isotope measurements and capabilities in support of nuclear materials analysis, the water cycle, and the evolution of astromaterials through time
- Determining the impacts of subsurface biogeochemistry controls on the transport of actinides in the environment and enhance our fundamental knowledge in actinide chemistry
Our research involves a wide variety of radio- and stable-isotope enabled methods and inorganic mass spectrometric techniques, including (cryo) NanoSIMS (Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer) isotopic imaging, stable isotope mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy. Many projects emphasize the use of novel techniques and new methods, including new isotope-enabled tracing methods for microbial, soil, and groundwater systems and the development of new mass spectrometry-based techniques for nuclear forensics applications.
Our research is primarily funded by the DOE of Biological and Environmental Research and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Forensic Sciences & Assessments
Group Leader: Katelyn Mason
We provide key scientific and technological subject matter expertise to the Laboratory’s Forensic Science Center (FSC) and Intelligence Program. In the FSC, we:
- Research the physicochemical and physiological effects of chemical threat agents
- Evaluate novel chemical synthesis methods and specific chemical signatures associated with these methods
- Develop analytical methods to determine and support source forensics studies
- Investigate biomedical exposure signatures
- Manage consequences and related activities
- Create new approaches to traditional forensic methods
- Develop environmental and medical countermeasures
Through our participation in the Laboratory’s Intelligence Program, we provide comprehensive technical assessments and operational support to U.S. weapons of mass destruction counterproliferation and counterterrorism missions.

MicroAnalytical Signatures
Group leader: Ruth Kips
The MicroAnalytical Signatures Group focuses primarily on non-destructive analyses of solid samples (powders, pellets, and other solid materials) for nuclear forensics, nuclear non-proliferation, material science, cosmochemistry, materials science, and many other applications.
We work collaboratively with other groups in the NACS Division and analyze samples at the (sub)-micron level using state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and other probing techniques, such as:
- Optical microscopy
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX)
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- Electron microprobe (EPMA)
- Focused ion beam (FIB)
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) and micro-XRD
- X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF)
- Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
- Gas Pycnometry
Our team consists of geologists, analytical chemists, material scientists, microscopists, and data scientists who can help determine what instrument is best for answering the research question(s) at hand.

NACS Capability Groups
Within NACS, the Environmental Radiochemistry and Detection (ERAD) and Nuclear Counting Facility (NCF) groups offer critical measurement capabilities to researchers across the Laboratory.
Group Leader: Richard Bibby
ERAD specializes in measuring low level radionuclides in a variety of environmental samples. From water to soil to vegetation, ERAD performs benchtop chemistry in challenging matrices for plutonium, uranium, gamma emitters, and other nuclides of interest.
Beyond working with standard methods, ERAD staff develop novel methods of analysis. For example, ERAD developed new methods for detecting naturally occurring isotopes to support hydrology studies, expanding the toolkit of analytical options for the community. Combined with benchtop chemistry, ERAD utilizes a suite of nuclear counting instrumentation including alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting, and gas flow proportional counters to detect radionuclides at sub-picocurie levels.
Group Leader: Keenan Thomas
Located two floors underground and shielded by layers of radiation-absorbing materials to minimize background interference, the NCF offers cutting-edge, high-sensitivity radiation measurement capabilities to support a wide range of projects and experiments across LLNL.
From applications in fundamental nuclear physics and chemistry to the National Ignition Facility, stockpile stewardship, nuclear forensics, energy research, nuclear data, nonproliferation, safeguards, and NEST initiatives, the NCF is a critical resource for advancing scientific and technological goals.
The NCF is distinguished by its capacity, flexibility, and efficiency in processing large sample sets, enabling rapid and precise radiation measurements. Key capabilities include:
Gamma-ray spectrometry
- Equipped with dozens of highly calibrated high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors housed in lead-shielded counting stations.
- Offers a wide range of detector geometries, including planar, semi-planar, and coaxial systems with relative efficiencies ranging from 7% to 180%.
- Includes systems enhanced with ultralow background upgrades or customizable for coincidence measurements.
- Achieves high throughput through automated sample changers, advanced data processing automation, and a suite of legacy and custom tools.
- Combines commercial and custom solutions to ensure tailored data collection and processing for diverse project needs.
Alpha and beta counting
- Features dozens of solid-state charged particle detectors housed in vacuum chambers for spectroscopic analysis.
- Supports precision counting with gas-filled proportional counters for gross alpha/beta detection techniques.
Custom solutions
- Continually develops and integrates new, customized solutions to address unique project requirements, providing cutting-edge support for evolving scientific challenges.
With its advanced technology, adaptability, and commitment to innovation, the NCF is an essential resource for high-sensitivity radiation measurement and analysis at LLNL.

Nuclear Data & Theory
Group Leader: Sofia Quaglioni
We research nuclear theory to provide a fundamental understanding of atomic nuclei, their role in the universe, and how they impact LLNL’s national security missions.
Utilizing LLNL’s high-performance computing resources and building on innovations in machine-learning and quantum computing, we explore the nuclear many-body problem, beginning with the glue that binds quarks into protons and neutrons and how these protons and neutrons bind into the nuclei that make up most of the visible matter in the universe.
We develop new theories and computational tools to describe nuclear reactions ranging from fusion to fission, which are responsible for powering the stars, forging the elements in the cosmos, and are the source of energy in nuclear weapons. We not only characterize these reactions with fundamental theories, but we also evaluate and tabulate them in extensive numerical libraries using ground-breaking formats for use in transport codes and provide enhanced support for high-fidelity uncertainty quantification studies.

Nuclear Physics & Accelerator Technologies
Group Leader: Nick Scielzo
To learn more about our group, visit the Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Technologies group webpage.

Nuclear & Radiochemistry
Group Leader: Tashi Parsons-Davis
We perform fundamental and applied research and development in nuclear science, including developing and implementing advanced experimental methods, nuclear target fabrication, radiochemical separations, radioanalytical techniques, and data evaluation and interpretation capabilities.
We support the National Ignition Facility (NIF), stockpile stewardship, technical nuclear forensics, basic science, and intelligence programs at LLNL. We also collaborate with national and internal groups in areas such as the chemistry and physics of the heaviest elements, automated radiochemistry, NIF radiochemical measurements, post-detonation debris diagnostics, radioisotope production and harvesting, and fireball condensation chemistry.
We specialize in radiochemical separations to isolate subtle nuclear signatures from a wide variety of matrices, as well as in the preparation and exploitation of unique target materials for nuclear data measurements.
Our responsibilities include:
- Leading experiments at NIF involving capsules doped with purified target radionuclides for nuclear reaction cross section measurements of importance to stockpile stewardship and nuclear astrophysics.
- Radiochemical diagnostics at NIF, including operational analytic measurements and the conduct of dedicated laser shots to assess specific isotope properties within extraordinary plasma environments.
- Radiochemical evaluations of nuclear device performance in support of the stockpile stewardship and post-detonation nuclear forensics missions, providing essential data to constrain the design physics models developed by LLNL’s Strategic Deterrence and Global Security directorates.
- Leading the detailed forensic analyses of real-world nuclear smuggling samples interdicted (or otherwise obtained) by law-enforcement and intelligence-community agencies.
- Leading production of complex and realistic surrogate nuclear debris materials for exercises and quality assurance in the national technical nuclear forensics program.
- Method development and fabrication of unique targets and sources in support of isotope production, nuclear physics experiments, space exploration and other applications.

Nuclear Security Physics
Group Leader: Jonathan Dreyer
The security of nuclear and radiological weapons and materials is a major concern for LLNL. Improved capabilities are needed to address nuclear proliferation detection, arms control verification, nuclear safeguards, nuclear terrorism prevention, and consequence management.
Our mission is to apply nuclear physics, high energy physics, and astrophysics science, technology, and expertise to address the illicit production or diversion of special nuclear material and related threats. Our domain expertise, as well as knowledge we’ve obtained from participating with and training first responders, allows us to develop better instrumentation, improved signatures, and new analysis techniques for the detection, classification, identification, localization, tracking, and defeat of the unauthorized use of nuclear materials.
We are a conduit between the nuclear and high energy physics communities and LLNL’s Global Security Directorate research needs. Within LLNL, we communicate program needs to NACS science and technology staff while helping to make NACS capabilities accessible to the programs. Outside of LLNL, we recruit expertise from and foster collaborations with the nuclear science and engineering communities, publish results in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and track placement opportunities in universities, national laboratories, and industry.

Particle Physics
Group leader: Mike Heffner
Particle physics explores the fundamental building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their interactions, seeking answers to some of the universe's most profound mysteries.
Our group conducts cutting-edge research across a diverse range of topics, including:
- Advancing xenon-based detectors: Optimizing technologies to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay, a discovery that could reveal how the universe came into existence.
- Probing nuclear matter under extreme conditions: Investigating the dense states of matter created in heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and the Relativistic Heavy-Ion and Electron-Ion Colliders (RHIC) at Berkeley National Laboratory.
- Searching for sterile neutrinos: Using innovative methods like superconducting tunnel junctions and suspended nanoparticles to find these elusive particles.
Beyond fundamental research, we apply our expertise to practical projects, such as satellite-based nuclear explosion monitoring, neutron test beams, and direct air capture of xenon.
Our work on neutrinoless double-beta decay has the potential to explain how the universe evolved into a stable, matter-dominated state—an enduring mystery tied to the physics of the big bang. Similarly, we study relativistic heavy-ion collisions to provide insights into the dense matter that existed at the universe's inception, and probe partonic degrees of freedom using ultra-peripheral collisions.

Rare Event Detection
Group Leader: Nathaniel Bowden
In both fundamental and applied nuclear physics, researchers and users of radiation detection equipment are often confronted with the problem of extracting a weak signal from a copious background. Broadly, this area of research is sometimes referred to as rare event detection.
Our group develops advanced methods for measuring a relatively narrow class of rare events: keV-MeV scale energy depositions arising from neutral particles, including gamma-rays, neutrons, neutrinos, and the vanishingly rare—and still hypothetical—dark matter particle. Neutral particle detectors in this energy range are crucial for fundamental science, especially particle astrophysics, but also for applied nuclear science, including nuclear nonproliferation, arms control, and nuclear materials monitoring.
Nuclear security applications and fundamental nuclear science may appear disparate but are in reality closely connected. Our training in both areas allows us and the Laboratory to effectively exploit the strong technological synergies that exist between them.
We lead or participate in ongoing international fundamental science collaborations, including:
- The LUX/LZ Dark Matter experiment
- The ADMX axion dark matter search experiment
- The PROSPECT sterile neutrino search experiment
- The Project 8 neutrino mass measurement experiment
- The BeEST sterile neutrino search experiment
With different optimizations, the same concepts allow us to develop innovative gamma-ray, neutron, and antineutrino detectors to improve International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, to verify nuclear arms control agreements, and to screen and characterize nuclear material in a wide range of monitoring contexts. Examples include passive and active gamma-ray tomographic systems for spent fuel, segmented scintillator arrays for precise characterization of fissile content in shielded materials, remote monitoring and exclusion of nuclear reactors using antineutrino detectors, and novel detectors for characterizing the fissile content of spent fuel using information derived from antineutrino spectra.
More information about our research is available on the Neutrino Physics at LLNL website.
Our work was featured in a Science Friday spotlight titled “Looking at Light for Signs of Dark Matter.”

Safeguards, Nonproliferation, & Response
Group Leader: Bryan Bandong
With a staff of nuclear scientists, engineers, radiochemists, health physicists, and radiation safety and protection subject matter experts, our group is uniquely positioned to support mission-critical programs in nuclear threat reduction covering nuclear counterterrorism and counterproliferation, nuclear security, nonproliferation and arms control, and nuclear incident response and consequence management.
Our research and development activities focus on advanced radiation detection and nuclear measurements for applications in:
- Technical nuclear forensics and countermeasures
- Next generation technical safeguards and global threat reduction initiatives
- Arms control and nuclear compliance verification, including assisting the U.S. government in interagency and international treaty negotiations and monitoring
We are actively involved in developing concepts of operations (CONOPS) and conducting research, testing, and evaluation of field systems to support programs led by various international and regional organizations, as well as U.S. federal agencies. Our work focuses on nuclear safeguards implementation and infrastructure, global nuclear and radiological security, nuclear and radiological emergency response, consequence management, preventive radiological and nuclear detection architectures, and system engineering.
Our activities include:
- Development, setup, testing, and evaluation of land-based or aerial/marine-borne detection systems customized to the needs and applications of federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies
- Outreach, training, and field exercises on the use of portable or fieldable detection systems for first responders from national and international partners
- Technical support for radiological and nuclear threat assessment
- Modeling and simulating radiation detector response
- Measuring and enhancing in nuclear decay data and reaction cross sections
- Fabrication of high-fidelity, realistic surrogate radiological/nuclear materials for use in method development, validation of laboratory-based analytical techniques, and testing and evaluation of field detection systems

Trace Isotope and Element Signatures
Group Leader: David Willingham
Our group applies the most sensitive spectroscopy and spectrometry techniques to measure samples of interest with the highest accuracy and precision. The scientific and technical subject matter experts in our group are recognized as world leaders in measurement science and continually push the boundaries of how much information can be extracted from even the smallest of samples.
By employing a suite of experimental methods—from top-of-the-line commercial instruments to one-of-a-kind homemade instruments—we can assess almost any analyte from almost any matrix. This research contributes to a number of LLNL’s mission spaces, including pre- and post-detonation nuclear forensics, nonproliferation, material production, cosmochemistry, and much more.
Areas of technical expertise include:
- Trace element analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
- Class 1000 clean room facility
- Uranium Sourcing Database (USDb)
- Rapid microwave, heat, and pressure digestion of a wide range of materials
- Noble Gas Laboratory
- Cosmochemistry
- Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS)
- Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS)
Career Opportunities
Our exciting work would not be possible without dedicated staff. We’re always looking for talented scientists to join our multidisciplinary teams.
Browse our open positions or read about our internship programs.
Capabilities & Facilities
Our researchers utilize world-class scientific capabilities and modern high-performance computing facilities to support Laboratory programs. Listed below are some of LLNL’s state-of-the-art capabilities commonly used by our scientists.

Accelerator Complex
Contact: Scott Anderson
LLNL’s accelerator complex houses sophisticated tools to accelerate charged particles to incredibly high speeds. Located three stories underground, these instruments allow our nuclear physicists to detect isotopes, create fast neutrons, peer inside heavily shielded objects, and characterize unknown material.
Additional information is available on the Accelerator Complex webpage.

Actinide Materials
Contact: Scott McCall
We support global and national security missions by maintaining capabilities to synthesize, characterize, and test materials containing actinides.

Animal Care Facility (ACF)
Contact: acf [at] lists.llnl.gov (ACF support)
The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animals, International (AAALAC)-accredited and Public Health Service (PHS) Assured animal facility houses several thousand small animals, which are cared for by full-time Laboratory animal technologists. Animal models are used in comparative genomics studies that focus on understanding gene regulation and for vaccine and countermeasure development.

Earn practical research experience by working with mentors on a wide range of projects in geoscience, climate, and atmospheric science.
Learn more about our internship in atmospheric, earth, and energy science.

Autoradiography Imaging
Contact: Kim Knight
Sub-millimeter resolution alpha and beta radioactivity imaging

Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS)
Contact: Nanette Sorensen or Scott Tumey
Researchers at CAMS use diverse analytical techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation to develop and apply unique, ultra-sensitive isotope ratio measurement and ion beam analytical techniques.
Additional information is available on the CAMS website.

Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology (CMNT)
Contact: Engineering Directorate
Researchers at the CMNT invent, develop, and apply microscale and nanoscale technologies to support LLNL missions. The research and capabilities of the Center cover materials, devices, instruments, and systems that require microfabricated components, including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), electronics, photonics, micro- and nanostructures, and micro- and nanoactuators.
Additional information is available on the Engineering website.

Center for National Security Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Contact: Derrick Kaseman
The NMR facility provides advanced characterization of chemical processes and materials using magnetically passed spectroscopic capabilities. The center houses multiple spectrometers used to analyze solids, liquids, and gases, including explosives, highly toxic industrial chemicals, and chemical and biological threat agents.

Develop and apply methods in computational materials science, computational chemistry, and other related areas of computational science.
Learn more about the CCMS internship.

Computational Nuclear Physics
Contact: Bret Beck
We measure, collect, and evaluate nuclear data and incorporate these data into libraries to be used in simulations. We provide nuclear data, physics simulation, and data processing tools for experimental and theoretical nuclear data.
Additional information is available on the Computational Nuclear Physics website.

Cooperative Research Center for NanoScaffold-based Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccines
Contact: Matthew Coleman
Leading experts in immunology and nanotechnology are developing and testing a new type of vaccine to prevent sexually transmitted infections caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) pathogen.
Additional information is available on the Cooperative Research Center for NanoScaffold-based Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccines webpage.

Work on data science problems that matter to the nation while pursuing a degree in machine learning, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or similar fields.
Learn more about the Data Science Summer Institute.

Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) and Ultrafast Science
Contact: Geoffrey Campbell
Our diamond anvil-based laboratories can measure materials properties at static pressures above 1 Mbar, providing essential equation-of-state information for weapons, experiment design, and further study of the chemistries that control unique material formation. Additional experiments to study shock compression with 10 picosecond time resolution are pushing the limits of current theories of the metal strength, phase transitions, and chemical kinetics.

Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscope (DTEM)
Contact: Geoffrey Campbell
The LLNL-developed DTEM enables direct observation of unique mechanical properties controlled by features at the nanoscale.
Additional information is available on the DTEM webpage.

Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT)
Contact: Greg Brown
An EBIT makes and traps very highly charged ions by means of a high-current density electron beam. The ions can be observed in the trap itself or extracted from the trap for external experiments. Our EBIT is the only ion source in the world that can create highly charged ions that are practically at rest, allowing us to study an otherwise inaccessible domain.
Additional information is available on the EBIT website.

Electron Microscopy
Contact: Kerri Blobaum
LLNL maintains state-of-the-art capabilities in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to characterize materials.

Energetic Materials Center (EMC)
Contact: Lara Leininger
The EMC supports research and development for advanced conventional weapons, rocket and gun propellants, homeland security, demilitarization, and industrial applications of energetic materials. Our researchers, as part of the EMC, specialize in the modeling and experimentation surrounding the development, characterization, and effectiveness of high explosives.
Additional information is available on the EMC website.

Feedstocks for Additive Manufacturing
Contact: Yong Han
Our scientists and engineers optimize additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques, such as direct-ink writing, through focused investments in feedstock development. Using computer programs to simulate particle size and scale, we develop new feedstock materials from combinations of polymers, composites, and ceramics, with applications ranging from weapon components to energy innovations.

Forensic Science Center (FSC)
Contact: Audrey Williams
FSC researchers analyze interdicted samples, provide radiological assistance 24/7, and engage in the critical research and development needs of the intelligence community. FSC expertise includes analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and forensic instrument design and fabrication.
Additional information is available in the FSC Fact Sheet and on the FSC website.

Glenn T. Seaborg Institute
Contact: Mavrik Zavarin
The LLNL branch of the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute conducts collaborative research between LLNL and the academic community in radiochemistry and nuclear forensics, contributing to the education and training of undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and faculty in transactinium science.
Additional information is available on the Seaborg Institute website.

High Energy Density Science (HEDS) Center
Contact: Frank Graziani
The HEDS Center fosters collaborations with university faculty and students that have the potential to enhance high-energy-density science research. The HEDS Center facilitates access to LLNL’s HEDS experimental facilities and high-performance computing resources in order to support research important to the Department of Energy.
Additional information is available on the HEDS Center website.

Study matter at extreme conditions—such as those found inside stars or the cores of giant planets—using world-class laser facilities.
Learn more about the HEDS Center internship.

High Explosives Applications Facility (HEAF)
Contact: Lara Leininger
HEAF houses unique facilities for the synthesis, characterization, and testing of high explosives and other energetic materials. HEAF is also equipped with extensive, high-fidelity, high-speed diagnostic capabilities, including x-ray radiography, high-speed photography, laser velocimetry, and embedded particle velocity/pressure measurements.
Additional information is available on the HEAF webpage.

High-Performance Computing
Contact: lc-support [at] llnl.gov (LC support)
LLNL is home to a first-class computational infrastructure that supports the high-performance computing requirements of the Laboratory’s mission and research scientists. Livermore Computing provides the systems, tools, and expertise needed to enable discovery and innovation through simulations.
Additional information is available on the Livermore Computing Center website.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Innovation Center
Contact: HPC Innovation Center
LLNL’s HPC Innovation Center connects companies with computational science and computer science experts, on demand, to help them solve their toughest challenges. It also provides cost-effective access to some of the world’s largest HPC systems and rapidly assembles expert teams to develop, prove, and deploy high-impact solutions across a broad range of industries and applications.
Additional information is available on the HPC Innovation Center website.

Joint Genome Institute (JGI)
Contact: Crystal Jaing
The JGI is a high-throughput genome sequencing and analysis facility dedicated to the genomics of nonmedical microbes, microbial communities, plants, fungi, and other targets relevant to DOE mission areas in clean energy generation, climate change, and environmental sciences. Scientists from the Genomics group support key missions of JGI by performing DNA sequencing experiments and sequencing data analysis utilizing unique molecular biology skills and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Additional information is available on the JGI website.

Jupiter Laser Facility (JLF)
Contact: Félicie Albert
JLF is a unique laser user facility for research in high-energy-density science. Its diverse laser platforms offer researchers a wide range of capabilities to produce and explore states of matter under extreme conditions of high density, pressure, and temperature.
Additional information is available on the JLF website.

Laboratory for Energy Applications for the Future (LEAF)
Contact: Brandon Wood
LEAF is a multidisciplinary center that develops disruptive technologies for the grid, transportation, and the environment from inception to demonstration.
Additional information is available on the LEAF website.

Livermore Center for Quantum Science
Contact: Kristi Beck
To advance the development and deployment of next-generation quantum technologies and accelerate research solutions, the Livermore Center for Quantum Science cultivates new collaborations both within LLNL and across the broader community. The center’s aim is to explore how quantum sensing and computing can effectively address national security challenges and meet mission needs, while also leveraging LLNL technology to meet the demands of these innovations.
Additional information is available on the Quantum Science and Technology website.

Connect with LLNL scientists working in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and quantum sensing.
Learn more about the LCQS internship.

Mass Spectrometry
Contact: Rachel Lindvall
LLNL’s mass spectrometry instruments offer experimental and diagnostic techniques that make it possible to count atoms, study lunar rocks, isolate isotopes, and characterize unknown material. These sophisticated tools enable our nuclear chemists, cosmochemists, and radiochemists to tackle complex science challenges.
Additional information is available on the Mass Spectrometry webpage.

Gain hands-on experience in materials synthesis, materials characterization, materials processing, analytical chemistry, actinide materials science, optical materials science, electrochemistry, materials engineering, materials chemistry, and physics.
Learn more about the MaCI summer program.

Nanoscale Synthesis and Characterization Laboratory (NSCL)
Contact: Alex Hamza
NSCL is making advances in science at the intersection of physics, materials science, engineering, and chemistry. We are pursuing research in nanoporous materials, advanced nano crystalline materials, novel 3D nanofabrication technologies, and nondestructive characterization at the mesoscale.
Additional information is available on the NSCL webpage.

National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC)
Contact: Lee Glascoe
NARAC is a national support and resource center for planning, real-time assessment, emergency response, and detailed studies of atmospheric releases of nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, and natural materials. NARAC provides timely and accurate atmospheric plume predictions to aid emergency preparedness and response efforts in protecting the public and the environment.
Additional information is available on the NARAC website.

National Ignition Facility (NIF)
Contact: Dayne Fratanduono
NIF houses the world’s largest and highest-energy laser. NIF’s laser beams routinely create temperatures and pressures similar to those that exist only in the cores of stars and giant planets and inside nuclear weapons. The facilities are a key element of maintaining the reliability and safety of the U.S. nuclear deterrent without full-scale testing.
Additional information is available on the NIF website.

National User Resource for Biological Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (BioAMS)
Contact: Graham Bench
BioAMS makes accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) available to biomedical researchers who need to accurately measure very low levels of radioisotopes. BioAMS is working to enhance AMS for analysis of radioisotopes in biomedical tracer studies through development of new methods and instrumentation.
Additional information is available on the BioAMS website.

Nuclear Counting Facility (NCF)
Contact: Keenan Thomas
Located two floors below ground, with a layer of shielding materials between floors to minimize background radiation, LLNL’s Nuclear Counting Facility provides high-sensitivity radiation measurements. Its assets include gamma spectrometers, solid-state detectors, alpha and beta counting systems employing ionization gas chambers, and liquid scintillation techniques.
The facility supports research in stockpile stewardship, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism, including:
- Analyzing samples and surrogate materials in support of nuclear forensics efforts.
- Studying samples collected during underground nuclear tests, which ended in 1992.
- Determining the number of radioactive atoms produced during experiments at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility.

Work directly with leading LLNL researchers on projects in nuclear forensics, nuclear chemistry, and environmental radiochemistry.
Learn more about the summer internship in nuclear science and security.

Optical Sciences
Contact: Wim De Vries
Our experts develop x-ray adaptive optics systems and optical payloads for nano-satellites. We have explored the use of survey telescopes for dark matter research, developed algorithms and software tools for simulation of orbital space events, and implemented sensor calibration and exploitation strategies for hyperspectral airborne sensors.

Research topics spanning astrophysics, planetary science, plasma science, fusion energy, optical science, and quantum science.
Learn more about our internship in physics.

Polymer Science
Contact: James Lewicki
We maintain capabilities to synthesize, characterize, and model a broad range of polymeric materials and architectures.

Quantum Coherent Device Laboratory
Contact: Yaniv Rosen
The Quantum Coherent Device Laboratory is a state-of-the-art research environment for quantum processor unit development. Learn more on the Quantum Coherent Device Laboratory webpage.

Radiative Properties
Contact: Marilyn Schneider
Our experts determine the radiation properties of plasmas produced at laser facilities such as the National Ignition Facility, the Jupiter Laser Facility, and the electron beam ion trap. These properties range from the basic atomic physics of isolated ions to opacities and radiation flow in hot dense matter to electron-positron pair production.

Radiochemistry Facilities
Contact: Roger Henderson
LLNL’s radiochemistry research facility houses more than 50 laboratories designed specifically for experiments focused on studying radioactive isotopes and element transformation. From trace-level environmental analysis of tritium, to high-activity transuranic samples, our capabilities allow us to analyze solid, liquid, and gas samples.
Our radiochemistry labs include fume hoods and gloveboxes, as well as class-100 clean rooms for extremely sensitive chemistry and measurements.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)
Contact: Zurong Dai
Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, electron diffraction

Select Agent Center (SAC)
Contact: bioagent [at] lists.llnl.gov (Bioagent support)
The SAC has Biosafety Level-2, Biosafety Level-3, and Animal Biosafety Level-3 facilities. The center is registered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is Public Health Service (PHS) Assured, and is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animals, International (AAALAC).

Space Science Institute (SSI)
Contact: Megan E. Eckart
The SSI builds on Lawrence Livermore’s strengths in planetary science, astrophysics, nuclear science, optics, engineering, data science, and computing to develop high-impact projects and a mission-ready workforce.
Additional information is available on the SSI website.

Develop skills by conducting practical astrophysics and planetary science research at LLNL under the supervision of a staff scientist.
Learn more about the SSI summer internship program.

X-ray Diagnostics
Contact: Stefan Hau-Reige
Our researchers use a wide range of diagnostics to measure and record experimental data. To obtain measurements needed for their cutting-edge research, our scientists have to develop new tools and continually add to their suite of diagnostic instruments.


X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Contact: Charlotte Eng
Our instruments enable bulk elemental analysis with ppm-level detection limits.