Strategic Science Initiative Fellowship (SSI)

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks exceptional postdoctoral researchers with demonstrated leadership potential to play a major role in opening new research directions at our national laboratory Selected fellows will serve as associate research scientists and will have the opportunity to conduct impactful research at a world-leading research institution.

Prioritized research areas include:

Fusion Science and Technology

• Developing spin-polarized fuels and next-generation ion beam technologies to push the frontier of plasma performance.
• Engineering radiation-hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations.

Artificial Intelligence

• Developing advanced artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) solutions for fusion science and operations.
• Building and applying foundation models and surrogate models to speed analysis and optimize performance.
• Designing and maintaining digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems, to accelerate discovery, enhance reliability and reduce operational costs.

Discovery Plasma Science

• Understanding fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence and dynamos.
• Increasing understanding of high-energy-density (HED) plasma processes including processes relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy.
• Advancing the science and technology of low-temperature plasmas and diagnostics for fundamental plasma science and for applications such as propulsion.

Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing

• Advancing plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology.
• Using high performance computing, machine learning and advanced numerical schemes for accelerating low temperature plasma simulations.
• Understanding the science of electrochemical, pulsed electrical heating and plasma-assisted catalysis and chemical synthesis.

Successful candidates will work with researchers at PPPL and may also propose to join one or more of the range of scientific collaborations in which PPPL scientists participate. Fellows will 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, complete applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2026.

Fellowship awardees must be able to start the fellowship position no later than September 2026.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Core Duties: 

• Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to the PPPL’s mission. 

Education and Experience: 

• Ph.D. conferred within five years at the time of application or completion of Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
• Ph.D. 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) aligned with PPPL’s mission.
• Evidence of academic achievement with potential for scientific and strategic leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated technical and scientific excellence, high quality publication record, strong communication and presentation skills, skills to help advance an engaged workforce, ability to work effectively in a team environment, leadership potential, and strategic thinking and planning skills.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

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.