The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks to fill a full-time position for a researcher to work on international collaborations focusing on 3D magnetic fields and on core-edge integrated tokamak scenarios. The successful candidate will develop advanced optimization schemes for 3D magnetic fields to stabilize the edge plasma while simultaneously minimizing transport losses and the peak heat flux to plasma facing components (PFCs). The candidate will design and validate optimized 3D tokamak scenarios for long-pulse operation in KSTAR, and will participate in 3D field physics studies in COMPASS-U, NSTX-U, and DIII-D. Long-term, the candidate will prepare for ITER experiments and contribute to the development of ITER optimization strategies for 3D fields.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion as an energy source for the world.
- The successful candidate will integrate predictive 3D MHD and transport models and simulation to plan for and optimize 3D fields in tokamak scenarios. The candidate will perform both reduced model and full 3D field MHD simulations to predict MHD instability free operating windows from the core to the edge for the entire duration of the tokamak pulse including the early and late transient phase including the L-H and H-L transition. The candidate will develop a workflow to predict thermal and particle losses from the plasma as well as the heat flux to the divertors (40%).
- The candidate is expected to conduct extensive data analysis and participate in experimental campaigns particularly on long pulse tokamak facilities such as KSTAR. Broad experience and knowledge on diagnostics are essential to reconstruct profiles and 3D equilibria and to compare the transport and edge modeling results with fluctuation and imaging diagnostics. The candidate will also propose and perform new predict-first experiments to validate the predictive optimizations in various tokamak devices (40%)
- Another important responsibility for the candidate is to strongly contribute to the international and domestic collaborations on 3D tokamak optimizations. The candidate will design and analyze new 3D coils, configurational optimizations, and baseline scenarios with integrated 3D control in future plasma operations in various tokamaks such as COMPASS-U and NSTX-U in preparation for ITER (20%).
Education and Experience:
- The applicant should have a Ph.D in plasma physics and at least two years of post-doctoral experience in fusion plasma research.
- It is preferred that the applicant has broad experience in developing models and performing data analysis for 3D fields and transport in tokamaks.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong background in fusion plasma physics is desired.
- Understanding of MHD and transport in tokamaks, particularly with 3D perturbations, will be important.
- Strong skills for simulation and data analysis are essential.
Working Conditions:
- Partial shift of work time is expected to accommodate frequent international collaborations.
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. EEO IS THE LAW
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.
