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.

POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) (2 openings), to join a project on millimeter-wave directed energy to open boreholes in deep rock. Will conduct experimental and analytical research in a potentially game changing research and development program to apply intense energy to displace matter for mining geothermal energy.  Research will include work with high power millimeter-wave gyrotrons; waveguide transmission and beam control technologies; real time diagnostics; and application to high pressure, high temperature environments to melt and vaporize materials.  Interfacing sensitive remote diagnostics colinear with a high-power millimeter-wave beam will be an important topic.  Will also be expected to make original research contributions, produce work for publication, and present work at scientific conferences.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  a Ph.D. in experimental science or engineering, excellent scientific research and communication skills, and willingness to work both independently and with multi-intuitional teams.  Preference will be given to applicants with a background in microwave to terahertz technologies, radiometers, and FM radar. Knowledge of computer codes such as LabView, Solidworks, and finite element analysis codes such as COMSOL for RF and thermodynamic modeling would be desirable, as would a balance between analytic ability and an aptitude for hands-on work. 

Job #18062

Travel to work with high power gyrotron systems at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee will be required.