Overview:
We are seeking a Fusion Plasma Material Interactions (PMI) Scientist to develop the foundations of an experimental program focused on understanding the complex interactions between fusion boundary plasmas and candidate plasma facing materials, leveraging ORNL’s collaborations at fusion facilities worldwide, the extensive materials expertise at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), and ORNL’s future hosting of the Materials Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX). This position will work directly with the ORNL Fusion Energy Division (FED) PMI Science Lead and report to the Fusion Energy Division Director.
As part of a research team focused on providing solutions to critical issues for practical fusion energy development, the incumbent will carry out and coordinate research focused on developing the science of plasma-material interactions encountered in the extreme environment of current and future magnetically confined fusion energy systems. Research objectives will include understanding the effects of plasma-interactions and other operating environment factors on candidate plasma-facing materials with specific attention paid to the compatibility, survivability, and impact of such materials needed for the development and design of future fusion plasma-facing components.
The incumbent will also play a key role in creating synergies between research on existing confinement facilities and the MPEX research program, working closely with the ORNL PMI Science Lead and Power Exhaust and Particle Control Group Leader to develop a coordinated, science-driven plan to understand and resolve key PMI issues for plasma facing materials in the development of next-generation plasma facing components for fusion applications. Key resources will include ORNL’s existing PMI collaborations on fusion facilities, ORNL’s extensive capabilities in materials characterization, ORNL’s extensive computing capabilities, and world-class facilities including MPEX.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Participation and leadership in fusion plasma material interaction experiments on toroidal fusion confinement devices worldwide and, as appropriate, linear plasma devices.
- Produce high impact publications in key peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations in plasma material interaction.
- Write research proposals in the area of fusion-specific PMI science
- Develop new diagnostics and/or computational techniques for characterizing or modeling fusion-specific plasma surface interactions.
- Maintain a high level of scientific productivity
- Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
- Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.
- Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
Basic Qualifications:
- Requires a Ph.D. with a minimum of 7 years relevant experience.
- Scientific productivity demonstrated by a record of lead-authored publications (published, accepted, or submitted).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in fusion plasma-materials interactions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience in plasma material interaction experimental work on fusion devices or linear plasma devices.
- Experience in developing plasma surface interaction diagnostics and surface analysis techniques.
- Experience in benchmarking theoretical predictions in PMI with experiments.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
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