Associate Research Scientist - Magnetically Confined Plasma Research

Fusion Energy Base; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University’s Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics seeks Associate Research Scientists to advance magnetically confined plasma research and contribute to the Columbia Fusion Research Center. Responsibilities include mentorship, collaboration, and independent research to support multiple awards.

The role involves research in tokamak and stellarator areas, possible work with international facilities, and relocation to the New York City area if needed.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in plasma physics or related field.
• Experience with different computer environments and languages especially Python, Matlab, IDL, FORTRAN and UNIX/LINX.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior scientists, post-doctoral fellows, or students.

Responsibilities

• Advance research in magnetically confined plasmas and support the Columbia Fusion Research Center goals.
• Mentor junior scientists, post-doctoral researchers, and students.
• Communicate results effectively in oral and written form; work well in a team.

Skills

Python

Matlab

IDL

FORTRAN

UNIX/Linux

Education

Ph.D. in plasma physics or related field

Tools

MPI

OpenMP

Job description

The Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics (APAM) at Columbia University in the City of New York invites applications for Associate Research Scientist positions in the area of magnetically confined plasma research. There are up to 3 positions under consideration. The successful candidate will advance research in magnetically confined plasmas and support the broader goals of the Columbia Fusion Research Center. In the tokamak area, the candidate may conduct research on experimental tokamak facilities in the public sector. Examples include the DIII-D tokamak located at General Atomics or the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade located at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, or tokamaks located abroad. In the stellarator area, the candidate may conduct research in coil optimization, energetic particle physics, and other related activities. Activities may also be conducted in support of industrially sponsored research contracts originating from a wide array of sponsors, including concepts beyond tokamaks and stellarators. The successful candidate will also be expected to assist in the mentorship of more junior scientists, post-doctoral researchers, and students. In addition, the candidate is expected to conduct both supporting and independent research towards the execution of the Columbia Fusion Research Center research program, likely supporting multiple research awards. Candidates for professional officer of research positions are expected to have established their ability to conduct original, independent scientist research. To the rank of an associate research scientist, candidate’s qualifications and contributions to their fields of research must be equivalent to those of an assistant professor. All candidates for all officer of research positions are expected to be able to work well in a team and to communicate effectively the results of their research or research activities both orally and in writing. The level of appointment is commensurate with experience. The earliest position is expected to begin on approximately Jan 1st 2027 or sooner if possible, with possible additional positions being filled later in 2027.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent professional degree) in plasma physics or a related field, and experience with different computer environments and languages especially Python, Matlab, IDL, FORTRAN and UNIX/LINX.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity of working with magnetically confined plasma computational modeling tools and their application to interpret experimental data.
• Familiarity with magnetically confined plasma experimental data and measurement methods.
• Demonstrated track record of mentorship of junior scientists, post-doctoral fellows, or students.
• Publications in top-rated journals in the field and presentations at national and international conferences.

Candidates should be open to relocation to the New York City area.

Minimum Degree Required

Ph.D. in (specialization) or related field. Candidates for professional officer of research positions are expected to have established their ability to conduct original, independent scientist research. To the rank of an associate research scientist, candidate’s qualifications and contributions to their fields of research must be equivalent to those of an assistant professor. All candidates for all officer of research positions are expected to be able to work well in a team and to communicate effectively the results of their research or research activities both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity of working with magnetically confined plasma computational modeling tools and their application to interpret experimental or simulated data.
• Familiarity with magnetically confined plasma experimental data and measurement methods.
• Demonstrated track record of mentorship of junior scientists, post-doctoral fellows, or students.
• Publications in top-rated journals in the field and presentations at national and international conferences.