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Associate Research Physicist - Strategic Science Initiatives

Job Description


The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral (post-doc) researchers - Associate Research Physicists/Scientists - with demonstrated leadership potential to play a major role in opening new research direction(s) for PPPL. This postdoctoral research opportunity offers early-career science, technology, engineering, computation, and applied mathematics professionals the opportunity to conduct impactful research at a world-leading research institution. The successful candidate will propose in their job application cover letter a succinct research plan of up to 2 pages of content (plus references) spanning two (minimum) to three (maximum) years in duration that encompasses one or more topics supporting the scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL, including but not limited to:

 

Fusion Science and Technology

  • Understanding spherical torus plasma regimes for reduced-cost fusion.
  • Advancing optimized stellarators and exploiting 3D-fields to improve tokamaks.
  • Developing liquid metal walls to increase energy confinement and mitigate heat fluxes.
  • Developing validated whole device models for ITER and next-steps including Pilot Plants exploiting machine learning, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.
  • Developing innovative diagnostics, technologies, and engineering for next-step devices.
  • Developing superconducting magnet technologies for reduced-cost fusion devices.
  • Optimizing plasma edge composition to improve fusion performance.

Discovery Plasma Science

  • Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence, and dynamos.
  • Advancing multi-messenger astronomy via simulation tools for highly relativistic plasmas.
  • Developing and testing emergent techniques and methods in plasma propulsion.
  • Increasing understanding of high-energy density plasma processes including processes relevant to Inertial Fusion Energy.

Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences

  • Developing new scientific discoveries and applications of low temperature plasmas.
  • Advancing nanofabrication for microelectronics and quantum information science.
  • Understanding the science of electrochemical and plasma-assisted catalysis and synthesis.
  • Understanding the microphysics of aerosols mimicking stratospheric conditions.

The successful candidate will work with researchers at PPPL and may also propose to join one or more of the wide range of domestic and international scientific collaborations PPPL scientists participate in. The successful fellow will also lead, publish, present, and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL. Fellowship awards are subject to the availability of a project mentor, so applicants are encouraged to develop project ideas as early as possible with PPPL research experts.

 

A proud U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a longstanding leader in the science and innovation behind the development of fusion energy — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy source. With an eye on the future and in response to national priorities, PPPL also has begun a strategic shift from a singular focus on fusion energy to a multi-focus approach that includes microelectronics, quantum information science, and sustainability science. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to make their mark on our world. PPPL aims to attract and support people with a rich variety of backgrounds, interests, experiences, and cultural viewpoints. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility and believe that each member of our team contributes to our scientific mission in their own unique way. Come join us!



Core Duties: 

  • Lead, publish, present, and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the PPPL scientific and research diversification goals of PPPL.


Education and Experience: 

  • Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment in plasma physics, fusion science, engineering (e.g., nuclear, mechanical, electrical, systems), computer science, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related field.
  • Experience in topical area(s) aligning with PPPL’s mission and scientific and research diversification goals.
  • Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence, strong communication and presentation skills, skills to help advance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, ability to work effectively in a team environment, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS


Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.



40.00

No

Yes

180 days

No

No

No

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If you are a qualified individual with a disability and are, therefore, unable or limited in your ability to use or access this system, you can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting PPPL's Office of Human Resources at Onboarding@pppl.gov .
Princeton University-Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW
Princeton University-PPPL job offers are contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of a background check, reference checks, and pre-employment screening, as applicable.
PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by Princeton University. The DOE prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.
Princeton University-PPPL is a residential community and an employer that operates continuously 24 hours a day. Essential services employees perform jobs that are necessary and required to maintain basic University operations during scheduled closures or unscheduled suspension of normal operations due to emergencies, events, or other situations. Essential services employees may be asked and/or required to perform jobs or duties that fall outside of their normal job classification during an emergency event. Learn more about our Essential Services policy .
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