Computational Physicist

Acceleron Fusion; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative startup at the forefront of fusion energy is seeking a Computational Physicist to join their dynamic team in Cambridge. In this role, you will analyze data from accelerator experiments, simulate particle interactions, and enhance simulation capabilities using cutting-edge tools. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in muon-catalyzed fusion while collaborating with leading scientists and engineers. If you are passionate about scientific computing and eager to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing field, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Signing Bonus

Stock Options

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field required.
• Experience with simulation tools like GEANT4 and programming in MATLAB, C++, and Python.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from semiconductor and scintillation detectors.
• Simulate particle interactions and develop software for target and detector design.

Skills

Computer Programming

Scientific Computing

Simulation Tools (GEANT4, MCNP, FLUKA)

Data Analysis (MATLAB, C++, Python)

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

GEANT4

MCNP

FLUKA

Job description

The Company

Acceleron Fusion is developing a breakthrough new technology to produce intense muon beams and generate clean energy through muon-catalyzed fusion. Founded to commercialize research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, we have recently completed a Series A venture capital round. We have an operational muon-catalyzed fusion machinedriven by the high-intensity proton accelerator and Muon Target E at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI)and have observed neutrons from over 100 hours of fusion in our apparatus. Collaborating with researchers at PSI, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and several universities, we are at the forefront of fusion energy innovation. Headquartered in Cambridge, MA, we are a rapidly growing startup of about ten employees. As a key member of our small and dynamic team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our technology and shape the future of both our company and the field of fusion energy.

The Position

We are seeking a Computational Physicist to join our team and collaborate on:

• Analyzing data collected from arrays of semiconductor and scintillation detectors in accelerator experiments with muon-catalyzed fusion and muon production.
• Simulating particle interactions, energy flows, and detector responses using computational tools
• Developing our software platform to optimize the design of targets, detectors, and beamlines utilizing artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
• Enhancing the simulation capabilities of GEANT4, specifically in muonic atom and hadronic physics, including contributions to the open-source package distributed by CERN.
• Participating in experimental operations at our Cambridge site and at beamline facilities worldwide, collaborating with engineers and scientists on experiment design and execution.

Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field
• Simulation: Experience designing and running simulations using tools such as GEANT4, MCNP, FLUKA, or equivalent.
• Computer programming: Strong proficiency in computer programming and software engineering.
• Scientific computing: Experience with MATLAB, C++, and Python for scientific computing and data analysis.
• Nuclear and particle physics background: Familiarity and working knowledge of common electromagnetic and hadronic interactions involving muons, pions, protons, neutrons, and electrons at energies ranging from 1 MeV to 10 GeV (e.g., ionization energy loss, neutron scattering, pion absorption, bremsstrahlung).
• Organizational skills: Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Experimental physics experience: Working knowledge of accelerators, beam dynamics, beamline elements, electronics, vacuum systems, cryogenics, and particle detectors.
• Background in engineering science: Familiarity with classical electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, optics, engineering thermodynamics, solid mechanics, and the principles of heat and mass transfer.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary along with health insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off. The position includes a signing bonus and stock options. This is a full-time, in-person role (40 hours per week) based in Cambridge, MA.

Acceleron Fusion is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.