Associate Research Physicist - Strategic Science Initiative (SSI)

TopSciNet; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Job summary

Princeton University seeks an Associate Research Physicist to lead development, calibration, operation, and data analysis of the X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectrometer (XICS) on JT-60SA. The role combines experimental work with theory, computational modeling, and a rigorous verification & validation framework.

The successful candidate will collaborate with international teams, supervise Ph.D. students or postdocs, and disseminate results through publications and conferences. 40-hour weeks.

Qualifications

• PhD in plasma physics, fusion science, or related field.
• Strong experimental experience on fusion devices.
• Expertise in tokamak diagnostics and core plasma physics.
• Preferred: proficiency in modern X-ray tomographic techniques.
• Preferred: knowledge of beam/RF heating and current drive

Responsibilities

• Lead XICS implementation and maintenance on JT-60SA.
• Perform day-to-day calibration, operation, and 3D X-ray tomographic data analysis.
• Develop and maintain data analysis codes for diagnostic interpretation.
• Participate in experiments and collaborate with European/Japanese researchers.
• Supervise Ph.D. students or postdocs, and disseminate results through publications and conferences

Skills

Strong experimental experience

Tokamak diagnostics

X-ray measurements

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, atomic physics, or related field

Tools

X-ray tomographic programming tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Associate Research Physicist - Strategic Science Initiative (SSI)

Princeton University Princeton, NJ — USA

Princeton University Princeton, NJ USA Posted Nov 27, 2025 Due Nov 25, 2026

Physics

Job Description

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $91,500 – $146,100 per year
Posted: 11/25/2025
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ, with collaboration in Naka, Japan

Overview

The successful candidate will lead the development, calibration, operation, and data analysis of the X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectrometer (XICS) on the JT-60SA tokamak. This diagnostic will be used to study particle, thermal, and momentum transport in advanced plasma scenarios. The role involves combining experimental expertise with theory, computational modeling, and a rigorous verification & validation framework, collaborating with international teams in Europe and Japan.

JT-60SA Highlights:

• Largest and most powerful tokamak currently in operation
• Superconducting, long-pulse capable, with advanced plasma shaping and control
• Supports ITER and future fusion reactor research under the Broader Approach collaboration

Responsibilities

• Lead XICS implementation and maintenance on JT-60SA
• Perform day-to-day calibration, operation, and 3D X-ray tomographic data analysis
• Develop and maintain data analysis codes for diagnostic interpretation
• Participate in experiments and collaborate with European/Japanese researchers
• Supervise Ph.D. students or postdocs, and disseminate results through publications and conferences

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. in plasma physics, fusion science, atomic physics, or related field
• Required: Strong experimental experience on fusion devices
• Required: Expertise in tokamak diagnostics, X-ray measurements, and core plasma physics
• Preferred: Proficiency in modern X-ray tomographic programming techniques
• Preferred: Research experience in thermal, impurity, and momentum transport, MHD equilibrium, beam/RF heating and current drive
• Preferred: Knowledge of Japanese is a plus but not required

Additional Information

Weekly Hours: 40

Probationary Period: 180 days

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits program available

EEO Statement: Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics

Application Notes: DOE employees must disclose participation in foreign government talent programs.