Associate Research Scientist - Computational Stellarator Physics

Associate Research Scientist - Computational Stellarator Physics Description

Department PPPL Advanced Projects

Category Research and Laboratory

Job Type Full-Time

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, and providing interpretation of the observed phenomena and guiding the planning of additional experiments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• 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%)

To accelerate scientific progress, the candidate will work closely with the SOLEDGE3X developing team, located in CEA, Cadarache, France, where the WEST tokamak is also located. The ability for on‑site presence will greatly facilitate both code development and access to experimental data for code validation. The successful candidate will collaborate at PPPL in Princeton, New Jersey and with the CEA Cadarache team.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in plasma physics, engineering, computational science or 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 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.

40.00

No

Yes

180 days

No

No

No

$91,500 to $146,100

PI

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