Research Scientist - Tokamak Expermntl Science

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) seeks a Research Staff Scientist in assignment at the DIII-D fusion facility in San Diego, California. Joining a multidisciplinary team, the scientist will advance real-time plasma exhaust monitoring and control for fusion devices, developing feedback‑control capabilities using physics‑based and AI state estimation, implementing applications within the Plasma Control System (PCS), and integrating high‑resolution diagnostics. The candidate will leverage novel real‑time diagnostics and control tools to advance core‑edge integrated scenarios in DIII‑D, KSTAR, and other international devices.

PPPL is a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, tackling the world’s toughest scientific and technological challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in fusion energy research and development and is also advancing research in microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences.

Join a dynamic team of scientists with diverse expertise working to advance real‑time plasma exhaust monitoring, state estimation, and control for core‑edge integration in fusion devices. The successful candidate will develop and deploy real‑time feedback‑control capabilities on DIII‑D for plasma exhaust control, including divertor detachment and related edge‑plasma applications. This involves utilizing physics‑based and AI‑driven state estimation, diagnostic degradation/failure mitigation, and reduced‑diagnostic approaches for control applications.

The position includes the implementation of diagnostic and control applications within PCS, integration of high‑resolution real‑time diagnostics and imaging data into PCS, and extension of the associated real‑time computing infrastructure. The candidate will also lead real‑time diagnostic and control activities on the KSTAR tokamak and other magnetic fusion devices, including execution of experimental campaigns.

Conduct research and disseminate results in the form of talks, posters, and refereed journal articles, as well as eventual patents, resulting from the conducted research, particularly regarding real‑time plasma exhaust diagnostics and control, plasma state estimation, and deployment of diagnostic and control applications for experimental fusion devices. Develop and/or implement high‑temporal‑resolution real‑time plasma diagnostics, including real‑time plasma imaging. Interface with PCS development groups at DIII‑D and KSTAR for implementation of real‑time computing systems and software relevant to the research.

• Minimum 3 years' experience post‑PhD;
  Ph.D. in plasma physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field. Strong analytical and English communication skills are required.
• Experience with real‑time diagnostic development, PCS application development and deployment, knowledge of real‑time computing systems and data streaming, and AI/ML model development for real‑time diagnostic and control applications is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in feedback control of plasma exhaust, including divertor detachment and related edge‑plasma applications, with demonstrated application on multiple fusion devices, and the ability to lead and conduct experimental sessions is strongly preferred.

Periodic international travel in support of activities at KSTAR and other facilities is foreseen.

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.

Salary Range: $111,400 to $178,000.

Standard Weekly

Hours:

40.00.

Eligible for Overtime:
No.

Benefits Eligible:
Yes.

Probationary Period: 180 days.