The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) was established at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 1996 to bring together experts from the science, technology, and policy communities to address pressing national security challenges. For over 20 years, CGSR has engaged diverse perspectives on topics important to national security, deterrence, diplomacy, dual-use technology, arms control, nonproliferation, space, cyber, biosecurity, and energy security.
We have openings in Fall 2026 for master’s and PhD students or recent graduates to engage in practical research on global security topics. Students will work with CGSR over the duration of three to four months as a research associate (RA). RAs will engage in practical research to further their educational and career goals, while also supporting the development of strategies for national security and LLNL’s mission focus areas. Examples of relevant fields of research include nuclear deterrence, arms control, nonproliferation, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, space, biological & chemical security, and energy security.
CGSR’s objectives are as follows:
- To explore the dynamics of potential 21st century strategic conflicts (i.e., those with a potential nuclear aspect) and to formulate ideas about how to achieve U.S. deterrence and other objectives in such conflicts.
- To explore the sources and characteristics of strategic competition in the emerging security environment and to formulate organizing concepts to enhance the competitive position of the United States and its allies and partners over the long term.
- To identify whether and how technically based approaches can address new challenges to national and international security.
- To catalyze broader national and international thinking about the requirements of effective deterrence, assurance, and strategic stability in a changed and changing security environment.
- To assist in the development of new generations of experts motivated by a clear view of the changed and changing security environment.
More information on CGSR, its research focus areas, and its publications can be found at https://cgsr.llnl.gov/.
This job will be closed to applicants on May 31, 2026.
In this role you will:
- Conduct an independent research project on an agreed upon topic aligned with CGSR/LLNL research priorities.
- Support CGSR/LLNL through contributions to ongoing research activities. Tasks may include contributing to literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, and workshop summary reports.
- Provide analysis to ongoing work, involving a moderate to high degree of technical and analytic complexity.
- Assist in the planning and execution of workshops to support CGSR research efforts.
- Gather and analyze data and information in support of broader CGSR research efforts.
- Participate in research planning and evaluation discussions with other members of the CGSR staff.
- Attend relevant research seminars, speakers’ series, and workshops.
- Present research to LLNL staff at end of the assignment.
- Prepare end-of-assignment technical report or publication.
- Perform all assignments in accordance with ES&H, security, and business practice requirements and policies.
- Perform other duties as assigned.