Associate Research Scientist - Strategic Science Initiatives Fellowship

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral (post-doc) researchers - Associate Research 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, applied mathematics, materials, and sustainability professionals the opportunity to conduct impactful research at a world-leading research institution. In their job application cover letter, the successful candidate will propose a succinct research plan of up to two pages of content (plus references) spanning two to three 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  handle high heat fluxes and potentially increase energy confinement
• Developing validated physics and engineering 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
• Evaluating technologies supporting tritium management and proliferation resistance

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 (HED) plasma processes including processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and Inertial Fusion Energy

Applied Materials and Sustainability Sciences

• Advancing plasma processing science for future microelectronics
• Using machine learning for accelerating material discoveries and plasma reactor control
• Using high performance computing and advanced numerical schemes for accelerating low temperature plasma simulations
• Advancing synthesis and nanofabrication for microelectronics and quantum materials and devices
• Understanding the science of electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating, 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.

To ensure consideration for the fellowship, applications should be submitted no later than January 13, 2025. Deadline exceptions may be possible; please reach out to careers@pppl.gov to discuss individual situations.

Fellowship awardees should ideally be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2025.

Core Duties

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

Education & Experience

• 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, materials, chemical, systems), computer science (e.g., advanced computing and AI for Science), physical chemistry, 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.