Due to the recent retirements of Dr. Stephen Bodner at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and Dr. Keith Thomassen at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), as well as a recent reorganization at LLNL, combining responsibility for both magnetic fusion energy and inertial fusion energy into the Lasers Directorate headed by Dr. E. Michael Campbell, openings for fusion leaders at both NRL and LLNL now exist. Both positions require U. S. citizenship and security clearance.

At LLNL, the posting notes that "Livermore has recently integrated its research in magnetic and inertial fusion energy, and beam research, within the Laser Directorate. The position, called Deputy Associate Director for the Lasers Directorate, "will have primary responsibility for developing and directing LLNL's programs in fusion energy, and in the application of high current particle beams." Candidates must have a "Ph.D. in Physics with an emphasis in plasma physics or an equivalent level of demonstrated knowledge; significant experience in fusion research, either magnetic fusion research, or inertial fusion research, with a preference to a candidate with several years of experience in both areas; demonstrated ability to lead and manage a group of people with diverse backgrounds toward a common objective; demonstrated excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; demonstrated ability to sustain and develop productive relationships with other laboratories, academic institutions, industry and international organizations; demonstrated ability to develop programs; and background and knowledge of the structure and administrative processes within DOE agencies." Interested parties should send a resume by mail or email, referencing job posting LA-9276, to Ms. Barbara Tuck, Senior Employment Representative, LLNL (Mail Stop L-491), 7000 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550; email:tuck1@llnl.gov

At NRL, the posting notes that "Applications are invited for the position of Head of the Laser Plasma Branch in the Plasma Physics Division at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC. The Laser Branch develops new high powered lasers and utilizes these high power lasers for fundamental and applied research in laser-matter interaction." NRL has in operation a large Krypton Fluoride laser, called Nike, for laser fusion research in support of DOE's Defense Programs. Substantial efforts are also directed at developing the complex computational tools needed to simulate and understand the physics of laser target interactions. The Branch has also begun development of large high-repetition rate KrF lasers of interest for energy applications. Applicants should have "a Ph.D or its equivalent in the field of plasma physics and extensive experience in the areas of plasma physics and laser fusion, and have authored a number of important publications, of which some have had a major impact on advancing the field of laser fusion." The applicant "must be able to guide and lead a research group in carrying out the technical and scientific requirements (and) have a special quality to meet,cooperate, and coordinate with scientists and officials at NRL and other government agencies, as well as other laboratories." Interested applicants should send a detailed resume to NRL, Human Resources Office, Attn: Code 1810kw, ID# 67-5020-99, 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20375-5320 or call (202)767-3030.