Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has an open position for a research staff scientist at the DIII-D national fusion facility, located in San Diego, CA. The candidate will employ 2-D and 3-D models of the edge plasma to understand and optimize the effects of particle injection (impurities and hydrogenic neutrals) on the dynamics of the pedestal, scrape-off layer and divertor. In the near term, particular emphasis will be given to the study of low-Z impurity powders to enhance radiation in the plasma boundary and mediate the plasma-material interaction. The candidate will design, lead and model tokamak experiments making use of actuators such as gas and solid material injection into tokamak plasmas to determine the effectiveness of innovative approaches to overcoming the core-edge integration challenge, including effective edge power dissipation in high confinement plasmas.

The candidate will also develop a program of research to model and understand the poloidal distribution of neutrals and the effect of such neutrals on confinement and stability. In particular, the candidate will be expected to lead a growing team of edge plasma modelers aimed at understanding and controlling the effects of impurities and neutrals on dissipation and confinement. The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to international collaborative research conducted by the department with partner fusion laboratories worldwide.

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 be responsible for:

• Modeling key datasets from recent DIII-D experiment by simulating the edge plasma, impurities, transport and radiation and validating those simulations with experiment (40%)
• Proposing and carrying out experiments on DIII-D to test model prediction of the effectiveness of innovative approaches to power handling (40%)
• Develop an intimate understanding of the scientific instruments that will be the focus of modeling and model validation and participate to their calibration and operation (5%)
• Plan a program of research for junior researchers aimed at modeling and understanding the distribution and role of neutrals on confinement and stability (15%)

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 applying models and performing data analysis for the plasma edge and scrape-off-layer. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The candidate must have excellent computer skills and demonstrated experience in running advanced and comprehensive simulation codes.
• Strong experience working with experimentalists in large research teams on fusion facilities will be beneficial.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in plasma simulation with experimental application, in particular edge transport analysis codes.
• Experience with tokamak pedestal stability and transport is highly desired.
• Familiarity with fusion plasma spectroscopy and plasma material interaction diagnostics is a plus.

Working Condition:

• 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.