Senior Scientist (Fusion Plasmas), SRTT-FEAT

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Pasir Panjang; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Negeri Sembilan is seeking candidates to join their Future Energy Acceleration & Translation Programme focused on fusion energy. Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or Plasma Physics with at least 5 years of experience, especially in microwave plasma diagnostics or computational plasma physics. This role encourages participation in research leadership and grant writing. Exceptional communication skills and programming proficiency in languages such as Python and C/C++ are required.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in magnetic confinement fusion.
• Deep knowledge in microwave plasma diagnostics, theoretical plasma physics, or computational plasma physics.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and potentially lead research in magnetic confinement fusion.
• Understand the physics of fusion plasmas and exhaust.
• Publish peer-reviewed papers.

Skills

Microwave plasma diagnostics

Theoretical plasma physics

Computational plasma physics

Interpersonal and communication skills

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in C/C++

Proficiency in Julia

Education

PhD in Physics or Plasma Physics

Job description

Job description:

We are looking for candidates to join the fusion-energy effort in the newly formed Future Energy Acceleration & Translation (FEAT) Programme, A*STAR. FEAT's plasma physics team focuses primarily on plasma diagnostics, microwave and radiofrequency (RF) heating and current drive (H&CD), and exhaust, with an emphasis on solving the challenges faced by future fusion energy systems. The new hires will be expected to contribute to, and potentially lead, research in magnetic confinement fusion. This includes analytical, computational, and experimental approaches, with the particular emphasis dependent on one’s interests and skill set. While the new hires will begin by working on existing projects, participation in grant calls as a principal investigator will be highly encouraged.

We are looking for suitable candidates in:

• Microwave plasma diagnostics, including experimental, computational, and AI approaches.
• Theory and simulation of microwave and RF H&CD.
• Theory and simulation of plasma-material interactions, including edge turbulence and transport, sheaths, and sheath-edge coupling.

The key scope of work includes:

• Understanding the physics of fusion plasmas, exhaust, plasma diagnostics, and/or RF H&CD.
• Publishing peer-reviewed papers.
• Supporting local and international collaborators in fusion research.
• Writing grants and developing the direction of fusion research in FEAT.
• Supervising students and interns (optional).

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, or equivalent, with a background in magnetic confinement fusion, such as in plasma physics and/or engineering with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Deep knowledge in at least one of:
  1. Microwave plasma diagnostics (including hardware experience). Candidates with an experimental inclination will have the opportunity to travel to international collaborators’ experiments for extended periods.
  2. Theoretical plasma physics (such as plasma waves, turbulent transport).
  3. Computational plasma physics (such as full-wave, beam tracing, fluid dynamics, gyrokinetics).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as, but not limited to, Python, C/C++, and Julia.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to adapt and work effectively as a member of a team.
• Resourcefulness and self-motivation with a high degree of professional integrity.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.