The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Physics seeks applicants for a postdoctoral position in experimental fusion plasma physics starting immediately and lasting approximately three years.  The successful candidate will be stationed full time at General Atomics in San Diego, working alongside a growing team of UW-Madison and UCLA scientists on this joint collaborative project.  Our project is focused on the measurement, modeling, and control of magnetic fluctuations in the interior of DIII-D plasmas.  The fluctuations targeted by the UW-Madison are macro-scale tearing modes resonant in the core. The fusion performance of future ITER burning plasmas will be dictated in part by transport arising from these modes, and the longevity of plasma-facing components will be dictated by the frequency and severity of disruptions often caused by these same modes.  Maximizing our understanding and ability to control these modes requires, in part, sensitive internal measurement of magnetic fluctuations.  We will also improve measurement of the magnetic equilibrium, which can in turn help in understanding the measured fluctuations. Our measurements will be based primarily on the Faraday-effect Radial Interferometer-Polarimeter (RIP), which provides simultaneous access to the internal fluctuating and equilibrium density and magnetic field, and which will be further upgraded over the next three years.  Our measurements are coupled tightly to modeling with codes such as DCON, RDCON, and NIMROD.  Control of tearing modes will be effected via real-time feedback leveraging RIP fluctuation and equilibrium data.

The ideal candidate for this position is strongly self-motivated with an ability to work independently but also collaboratively within a large team.  Working at the forefront of nonlinear MHD, the successful candidate will have ample opportunities for leadership, including the planning and execution of DIII-D experiments and the dissemination of research results in talks and publications.  Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in experimental plasma physics, either already or in the near future, and a strong background in the MHD behavior of magnetically confined fusion plasmas will be helpful.  This position will have an experimental focus, but depending on the qualifications and interest of the successful candidate, some computational modeling may be folded in as well.  Our research project is still relatively new and growing.  Having just been renewed for the first time, the project is entering its fourth year.

For those participating in DPP2021, a sample of our initial work will be presented by UW-Madison scientist, Dr. Mihir Pandya, in his invited talk on Wed, 10-nov-2021 at 11:00 am in Ballroom C.  Mihir will describe measurements of tearing modes with RIP and the ramifications for the MHD stability of DIII-D plasmas.

For additional information and/or to apply for this position, contact the project PI, Dr. Brett E. Chapman (bchapman@wisc.edu).  I (Brett) will be attending the DPP meeting in person all week, and I'd be happy to meet with interested job seekers.  Those who choose to apply for this position should send me a brief statement of interest, a CV, and a list of three people (names and contact information) with whom you have worked who would be willing to provide reference information for you.