Jay Dawson
About Jay Dawson
Jay Dawson serves as the Deputy Program Director at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he has worked since 2015. He has extensive experience in research and development, having previously held positions at 3M and CiDRA, and he holds a PhD in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology.
Current Role at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Jay Dawson serves as the Deputy Program Director at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a position he has held since 2015. In this role, he leads the program's weekly business development meetings, focusing on maintaining and developing research and development (R&D) funding and projects. He interfaces with high-level government sponsors to secure current funding and explore new project opportunities. Additionally, he actively participates in advocating for the use of internal overhead funding to support program development and cutting-edge R&D initiatives.
Previous Experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Before his current role, Jay Dawson worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a Group Leader from 2002 to 2015. During his tenure, he was responsible for leading various initiatives and overseeing program plans. His leadership contributed to staffing growth and the expansion of lab and office space. His experience at the laboratory laid the foundation for his current responsibilities in program direction and development.
Career at 3M and CiDRA
Jay Dawson began his career as a Research Scientist at 3M, where he worked from 1993 to 2000 in Austin, Texas, and West Haven, Connecticut. Following his time at 3M, he served as a Principal Scientist at CiDRA from 2000 to 2002 in Wallingford, Connecticut. His roles at these organizations involved significant research and development efforts, contributing to his expertise in the field.
Educational Background in Physics and Applied Physics
Jay Dawson holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Physics from the California Institute of Technology, where he studied from 1988 to 1993. Prior to this, he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics from Carnegie Mellon University, completing his degree from 1984 to 1988. His educational background provided a strong foundation for his career in research and development.
Leadership in Strategic Council
In his current position, Jay Dawson co-leads the Directorate level Strategic Council at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This council is responsible for developing and assessing new opportunities for the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science (NIF&PS) Directorate. His involvement in this council highlights his role in shaping strategic directions and fostering innovation within the laboratory.