Associate Research Scientist - Strategic Science Initiative Fellowship; SSI

Strategic Science Initiative Fellowship (SSI)

Pay range: $91,500 - $146,100 per year. Apply by January 31, 2026, and be prepared to start no later than September 2026.

• Fusion Science and Technology
  • Develop spin‑polarized fuels and next‑generation ion beam technologies to push the frontier of plasma performance.
  • Engineer radiation‑hardened robotics and sensor systems for remote maintenance and reliable fusion operations.
• Artificial Intelligence
  • Develop advanced AI/ML solutions for fusion science and operations.
  • Build and apply foundation models and surrogate models to speed analysis and optimize performance.
  • Design and maintain digital twins of fusion devices, including autonomous control systems, to accelerate discovery, enhance reliability, and reduce operational costs.
• Discovery Plasma Science
  • Understand fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, shocks, instabilities and turbulence, and dynamos.
  • Increase understanding of high‑energy‑density (HED) plasma processes, relevant to magnetized HED phenomena and inertial fusion energy.
  • Advance the science and technology of low‑temperature plasmas and diagnostics for fundamental plasma science and for applications such as propulsion.
• Applied Materials and Electromanufacturing
  • Advance plasma processing science and electrified manufacturing technology.
  • Use high‑performance computing, machine learning and advanced numerical schemes to accelerate low‑temperature plasma simulations.
  • Understand 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.

• Lead, publish, present and disseminate innovative and impactful research results relevant to 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 has a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. The University also considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, work experience, education/ training, market, collective bargaining agreements and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Standard Weekly

Hours:

40.00
Eligible for Overtime: No
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Probationary Period: 180 days
Salary Range: $91,500 to $146,100

Internship

Full-time

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Research