Department   PPPL Theory
Category   Research and Laboratory
Full-Time / Part-Time   Full-Time

Overview

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a world-class fusion energy research laboratory managed by Princeton University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. PPPL is dedicated to developing the scientific and technological knowledge base for fusion energy. The Laboratory advances the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion as an energy source for the world.

PPPL seeks outstanding candidates for a position in the PPPL Theory Department’s Macroscopic Equilibrium and Stability group. The successful candidate will lead the development of a new capability in the extended-MHD code M3D-C1 for modeling nonlinear dynamics in stellarators, and will apply this capability to understand stability limits both in existing stellarators and in new designs of optimized stellarators. In addition, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct research into the macroscopic equilibrium and stability of fusion plasmas generally, in areas such as tokamak disruptions, edge localized modes, tearing modes, or other topics relevant to the mission of PPPL.

Responsibilities

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this job is to perform and disseminate research regarding the magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium and stability of fusion plasmas, and to implement new numerical methods for modeling fusion plasmas.

Core Duties: 

• Implement, verify, and apply the capability for stellarator geometry in the extended-MHD code M3D-C1 (70%).
• Conduct research in macroscopic equilibrium and stability of fusion plasmas (20%).
• Publish and present research in peer reviewed journals and at professional conferences (10%).

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• PhD in plasma physics or similar field is required. At least two years of postdoctoral research experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Experience with scientific programming in a high-performance computing Unix environment.
• Knowledge of magnetohydrodynamics, including equilibrium and stability of magnetic fusion plasmas.
• Experience with FORTRAN and python is preferred.
• Experience with extended-MHD and 3D plasma equilibrium codes, especially M3D-C1 or VMEC, is preferred.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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. EEO IS THE LAW

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.