The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks doctoral thesis students who are enthusiastic, passionate and have a deep interest in and strong desire to pursue a career in plasma physics, fusion science, computational science, engineering or a related field. This prestigious fellowship, which advances the values of scientific excellence and leadership, provides funding for a two-year appointment with the possibility of extension to a third year.
Student fellows from institutions interested in collaborating with PPPL can receive financial support pending identification of a PPPL thesis co-advisor or mentor working collaboratively on a thesis topic of mutual interest to the student’s home institution and PPPL. PPPL will provide the fellow with mentorship, training, professional development and outreach opportunities to both build a sense of community with PPPL and Princeton University colleagues, and to launch a successful scientific career. We invite the home institution to co-invest by aligning resources — financial or in-kind — to support the fellow’s research, development, and mobility.
The overarching intention of the program is to provide several pathways to a successful career in plasma and/or fusion research. 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. Applicants are also encouraged to include in their cover letter a succinct research plan of up to two pages of content plus references.
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:
Education and Experience:
Doctoral thesis student earning a Ph.D. in plasma physics or fusion science, advanced computing, artificial intelligence for science, engineering, or a related field.
To qualify for the Ellis Fellowship, students are required to be in their 3rd or 4th year, have completed required coursework and are in the independent research phase of their doctoral candidacy.
This fellowship is open to candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
To ensure consideration for the fellowship, applications should be submitted no later than Jan. 31, 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants to this fellowship must submit an online application and attach the following items to the application as a single PDF document:
About Dr. Robert A. Ellis
Dr. Robert A. Ellis was a foundational pillar in fusion science. He was born in 1927 and received his bachelor's degree in 1948 from Fisk University - a highly ranked historically black university, and his master's degree in physics in 1949 from Yale University. After receiving his master's degree, Dr. Ellis taught at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial (A&I), later known as Tennessee State University - a historically black land-grant public university. He then went on to earn his doctorate degree at the University of Iowa. In 1956, Dr. Ellis joined Project Matterhorn - a small group headed by Lyman Spitzer Jr. at Princeton University working on controlled fusion. Project Matterhorn would later become the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). Dr. Ellis became a key member of the team studying the magnetic confinement and heating of plasma in stellarators and in 1988 he was appointed head of experimental projects at PPPL.
During his later years, he devoted much of his time to furthering international collaboration in science. He served as foreign secretary of the Advisory Committee of the National Academy of Science on the USSR and Eastern Europe, a member of the Science Advisory Committee for the NASA Research Laboratories, and head of the physics section of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. In 1984, he became the U.S. representative to the Commission on Plasma Physics of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics.
Dr. Ellis was a pioneer in modern experimental plasma physics until his death on December 15, 1989. To his colleagues he is best known for his ability to come up with relevant information on almost any topic, and above all, his flashing wit. He also had a deep and gentle understanding of people-their hopes and ambitions, their motivations and frustrations.
From National Society of Black Physicists NSBP honors (February 2020).
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.