Plasma Physicist – Laser-Plasma Interactions

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate’s (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace  our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The Physical Sciences Division stewards discovery science research portfolios including catalysis, materials science, separations, analytical chemistry, geosciences, and chemical physics. Our research strives to refine our molecular-level understanding of multiphase systems and phenomena including complex interfaces. We discover and apply new knowledge to address major national priorities and needs in energy sustainability through the development of new energy storage technologies and the creation of high-value fuels and materials from abundant wastes.

We are seeking a highly motivated Plasma Physicist to join the Physical Sciences Division  this position you will be working on laser-matter interactions with emphasis on high-energy density physics, ultrafast laser produced plasma, plasma light sources for EUV lithography, plasma diagnostics, and plasma modeling. The candidate is expected to demonstrate hands‑on laboratory experience with high intensity ultrafast lasers, experience in developing plasma diagnostics, and advanced analysis of data to validate simulation codes.

• Establish protocols and conduct advanced experimental research related to intense laser‑produced plasmas.
• Develop and implement novel diagnostic tools to study high‑temperature and high‑density plasmas.
• Develop and present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate new capabilities and tools to internal and external sponsors.
• Organize, analyze, and disseminate data from research in the form of technical reports and publish high‑impact research results in peer‑reviewed scientific or technical journals, external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Collaborate and work with multidisciplinary teams across the Physical Sciences Division, existing collaborators and develop new collaborations to push the boundaries of laser produced plasma research.
• Stay informed on latest advancements in plasma diagnostics and development research.
• Mentor and support collaboration with early‑career scientists, students, and postdoctoral researchers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA and 3 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• PhD with 1 year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. Physics, Nuclear, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Extensive experience in plasma diagnostics, intense ultrafast lasers and laser diagnostics.
• Experience working in large laser user facilities.
• Experience in using plasma modeling tools.
• Good understanding of laser material interaction at short timescales.
• Ability to perform as an innovative experimentalist with a broad range of experience in experimental design, techniques, execution, and analysis, and the ability to think broadly and devise innovative solutions to problems to accomplish objectives.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills are necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills including the ability to work both as part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team,…