Associate Research Scientist

Associate Research Scientist - Computational Stellarator Physics

Join to apply for the Associate Research Scientist - Computational Stellarator Physics role at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory seeks outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral position in the area of computational stellarator physics. The successful candidate will play a leading role in developing a state‑of‑the‑art, fully three‑dimensional version of the fluid turbulence code SOLEDGE3X, as part of PPPL’s international collaboration with CEA, France. The final goal will be modeling self‑consistently plasma and impurity transport in the edge of a magnetic fusion device, tokamaks and stellarators alike.

The candidate will also perform numerical simulations with both the existing and improved versions of the SOLEDGE3X code, coupled with the Dust Injector Simulator (DIS) code, of powder injection experiments to be performed both in the WEST tokamak and the W7‑X stellarator, benchmarking the simulation results against experimental measurements, providing interpretation of the observed phenomena and guiding the planning of additional experiments.

• Benchmarking SOLEDGE3X simulations against experimental data from the WEST tokamak (20%)
• Extending the SOLEDGE3X code to a fully 3D version, including 3D magnetic geometry, working closely with CEA collaborators (50%)
• Benchmarking fully 3D SOLEDGE3X simulations against experimental measurements from the W7‑X stellarator (20%)
• Publishing and presenting research in peer reviewed journals and at international conferences (10%)

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in plasma physics, engineering, computational science or a relevant field(s). Experience in developing numerical code, preferably Fortran, is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in modeling edge and scrape‑off layer plasma, or more broadly in modeling magnetic fusion devices (tokamaks and stellarators). Knowledge of plasma turbulence processes and plasma‑wall interaction processes is a plus.

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.

Standard Weekly Hours 40.00

Eligible for Overtime No

Benefits Eligible Yes

Probationary Period 180 days

Essential Services Personnel No

Physical Capacity Exam Required No

Valid Driver's License Required No

Salary Range $91,500 to $146,100