​Functional Area: Research - Scientific
Department: Plasma Science and Fusion Center
School Area: VP Research
Employment Type: Full-Time
Employment Category: Exempt
Visa Sponsorship Available: No 

Working at MIT offers opportunities, an environment, a culture – and benefits – that just aren’t found together anywhere else. If you’re curious, motivated, want to be part of a unique community, and help shape the future – then take a look at this opportunity.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC), to carry out fundamental and applied research associated with physics, optimization ad design for the SPARC tokamak, a novel and powerful scientific instrument designed to be the world’s first net-energy fusion experiment.  Will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.  The focus of the position will be to investigate critical physics issues and to guide the integration of physics into the engineering effort by contributing physics assessments and requirements into critical design decisions concerning magnetic coils systems, instruments for plasma measurement, and control of plasma scenarios. Responsibilities in the short-term will include investigations into macroscopic stability and controllability of SPARC configurations; developing predictions for disruptions on SPARC, including halo and eddy currents, thermal load asymmetries, and runaway electron generation; assessment of the measurement needs for the SPARC research program; and contributing to the research program plan for SPARC.  Longer term duties will emphasize participation in basic and applied research on the SPARC facility. 

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  Ph.D. in plasma physics or fusion engineering; at least ten years’ experience in magnetic confinement research; demonstrable, hands-on experience in plasma physics research including macroscopic equilibrium and stability, instrumentation, and electronics; familiarity with the principles of fusion experiment design and construction, plasma measurement, and experimental operations; experience with the science of control and operation of magnetically confined plasmas; experience with diagnostics in fusion-grade plasma experiments; knowledge of magnetic confinement device engineering; experience with superconducting magnets and cryogenics; and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team of scientists and engineers. Job #17223

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.