High Temp Superconductor (HTS) Scientist

High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) is identified as the potential “game changer” for reducing fusion device size by increasing the allowable magnetic field, current density, and operating temperature. The use of high performance, large-bore HTS magnets for higher fusion power density is necessary both to improve the magnet efficiency and to increase integrated system performance in a compact fusion power plant design concept.

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a HTS Research Scientist to lead the design, development, commissioning, integration, and new HTS technology development of a reel to reel coated conductor inspection system, as a necessary quality control tool to close a critical R&D gap in maturing HTS for commercial fusion applications. The successful candidate will develop and mature a novel design of a high field, compact scanning system for low temperature, in field HTS critical current measurements of a broad range of commercial HTS tapes with high resolution Hall sensor array system operated in a liquid cryogen free cooling system, and will use these Ic measurement data to develop a quantitative understanding of origin and distribution of HTS intrinsic defects, critical current Ic dropouts, and any other nonuniformities observed in the tape operated in a compact fusion pilot plant-relevant environment. This is a unique opportunity to build a first-of-a-kind compact and portable HTS inspection capability and contribute directly to the U.S. National HTS tape inspection standard and fusion S&T roadmap missions of commercial fusion. The position is based at PPPL (Princeton, NJ) and will require close collaboration with our US industrial partners.

To design, develop, commission, and scientifically exploit the REBCO coated conductor in-field scanning system on a number of commercial tapes, providing the high-resolution critical current measurements of commercial HTS tapes in an fusion pilot plant (FPP)-relevant high field HTS magnet operating environment. The Staff Research Scientist will integrate and validate a new compact reel to reel coated conductor inspection system with Hall sensor array system to obtain low temperature in field (20K, 10 T) critical current mapping of commercial tape from a few meters to a few hundred meters, and will lead the studies that build a quantitative understanding of Ic nonuniformity as a result of intrinsic defects, Ic dropouts from coated conductor manufacturers—including PLD and MOCVD and their role in setting the defect distribution and overall tape performance at 20K, 10-20 T. These measurements will validate and improve reliability, consistency in the coated conductor fabrication which is critical to mature HTS for large scale deployment in future commercial fusion pilot plants.

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: 

• (30%) Low temperature HTS scanning system design, integration, and commissioning. Design, bench-test, and deploy the reel to reel (R2R) HTS scanning system, including the advanced cooling that capable to carry out high volume continuous tape scan without the consumption of liquid helium, the mechanical motion system, the high field compact coils and reel to reel vacuum-chamber interfaces, and data acquisition system;
• (20%) R2R integration and calibration. Calibrate the HTS tape inspection system with commercial HTS tapes, integrate data acquisition with the national HTS Ic database, and establish a link between R2R defect maps of tape critical currents to high current HTS cable/coil quench initiation mechanisms. Validate HTS cables using benchtop tests.
• (25%) Modular testbed for Conduction cooled superconducting magnet. Lead the procurement, system integration, commission of a conduction cooled modular testbed (a PT425 cryocooler) for high field testing of R&D coils wound and fabricated in house at PPPL, establish operation procedures, integrating power supply, current leads, thermal links, cooling systems.
• (15%) Model validation and scientific output. Support the development of US HTS tape standard by providing Ic data validation using the new R2R scanning system, developed HTS models and scaling parameters for performance predictions, deliver datasets to the modeling team, and disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• (10%) Collaboration and project coordination. Coordinate with PPPL, US conductor suppliers, and our industrial partners/US fusion startup collaborators; mentor students and junior researchers; and contribute to project reporting and DOE data-management compliance.

Education and Experience: 

• Ph.D. in engineering physics, applied physics, applied superconductivity, or a closely related field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant postdoctoral or research experience.
• Demonstrated experience with REBCO coated conductor inspection diagnostics (e.g., low temperature, in-field coated conductor scanning system, or comparable) is required, along with hands-on experience deploying Hall sensor array as high presension detector on a reel to reel HTS inspection system.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Expertise in fabrication of REBCO coated conductor and HTS conductor inspection system design and deployment.
• Background in coated conductor characterization including real time R2R HTS scanning system integration.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or IDL) and real-time data acquisition.
• Ability to design, align, and operate complex electromagnet-mechanical systems, to integrate Hall sensor array with database systems, and to work effectively within a multi-institutional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a record of peer-reviewed publication.

Certificates and Licenses: 

• None required at hire. Magnetic field safety certification, low temperature cryogenics and site-specific safety training are required and will be provided as a condition of working on-site at PPPL. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to work in and around experimental magnet test facilities, including working in cryogenic system areas. Capable of performing measurement tasks and handling laboratory equipment. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety boots and eyewear. Be aware of fringe magnetic field during in-field measurements. No pacemakers.

Working Conditions: 

• Work is performed in laboratory and experimental-hall environments at the PPPL magnet test facility (RF building 3rd floor). The position requires R2R scanning system component installation, commissioning, and REBCO tape measurement campaigns. 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

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.